Addictions Awareness Week: Spotlight on Gambling Harms in the UK
Gambling addiction affects over a million people across the UK, causing devastating impacts that extend far beyond financial loss. This Addictions Awareness Week, we shine a light on gambling harms—an often hidden crisis that demands our attention, understanding, and action.
Why Gambling Harms Matter Now More Than Ever
The 2024 Gambling Survey for Great Britain revealed a sobering reality: 2.5% of adults—approximately 1.3 million people—struggle with problem gambling. This isn't merely about money lost; gambling addiction profoundly impacts mental health, destroys relationships, derails careers, and shatters futures.
Rising accessibility through mobile apps and the proliferation of gambling advertising have significantly increased risks. Younger populations face particular vulnerability, exposed to gambling content and opportunities at unprecedented levels through digital platforms and social media.
2.5%
Adults Affected
Problem gambling prevalence in UK
1.3M
People Struggling
Estimated total nationwide
The Human Cost: Stories Behind the Statistics
The Gordon Moody charity's powerful #BehindTheBet campaign reveals the profound emotional and social toll gambling takes on individuals and families. These aren't just numbers—they're real people facing devastating consequences daily.
Crushing Debt
Many gamblers accumulate thousands in hidden debt, borrowing from multiple sources and spiralling into financial ruin that takes years to recover from.
Silent Suffering
Stigma prevents many from seeking help. Sufferers often hide their addiction from loved ones, leading to profound isolation and deteriorating mental health.
Shattered Relationships
Gambling addiction destroys trust, strains marriages, and tears families apart as lies and financial chaos mount relentlessly.
"Behind every bet is a person, a family, a story of struggle. We must break the silence and recognise gambling harm as a serious public health issue."
Safer Gambling Week 2025: November 17-23
Safer Gambling Week represents a powerful UK-wide cross-industry initiative promoting responsible gambling and robust player protection. Organised collaboratively by the Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta, the Lotteries Council, and the Bingo Association, this annual event unites the gambling sector in a shared commitment to harm prevention.
Set Clear Limits
Establish time and spending boundaries before you start
Never Chase Losses
Accept losses and walk away rather than trying to win back money
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from gambling to maintain perspective and control
Prioritise What Matters
Family, wellbeing, and responsibilities come before gambling
Tools and Support: How to Gamble Safely
Time Limits
Set automatic reminders and session limits on gambling platforms to prevent excessive play and maintain healthy boundaries with your gambling activity.
Deposit Controls
Establish daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on your accounts to protect your finances and prevent impulsive overspending during vulnerable moments.
Self-Exclusion
Utilise GAMSTOP and other self-exclusion schemes to block access to gambling sites when you need a break or permanent protection from temptation.
Immediate Help Available
Great Britain
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential support 24/7
Northern Ireland
08000 886 725
Dedicated helpline for NI residents
Ireland
1800 936 725
Support for Irish callers
Don't wait until it's too late. Ask yourself: "Are you past your spending limit?" Seeking help early can prevent devastating consequences for you and your loved ones.
International Gambling Harms Awareness Day: March 26, 2025
Led by Gordon Moody, the UK's leading gambling addiction treatment charity, International Gambling Harms Awareness Day represents a global movement to reduce stigma and promote understanding of gambling-related harms. This annual event brings together individuals, organisations, and communities worldwide in solidarity.
Emotional Impact
Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts plague those trapped in gambling addiction cycles
Financial Ruin
Bankruptcy, homelessness, and insurmountable debt devastate gamblers and their families
Social Breakdown
Lost employment, fractured relationships, and community isolation follow gambling harm
The campaign theme #BehindTheBet powerfully illuminates these hidden dimensions of gambling harm, encouraging open conversations and compassionate support rather than judgement and silence. Every story shared breaks down barriers and saves lives.
UK's Mature Gambling Market: Lessons and Challenges
The United Kingdom has maintained legal sports betting since the 1960s, developing one of the world's most regulated gambling markets. The 2005 expansion of mobile betting transformed the landscape, dramatically increasing convenience whilst simultaneously heightening youth exposure to gambling.
Decades of experience position the UK as a global model for gambling regulation and harm prevention. However, this maturity brings responsibility: continuous education, cutting-edge research, and innovative treatment approaches remain essential to protect increasingly vulnerable populations in our digital age.
1
1960s
Legal sports betting established in UK betting shops
2
2005
Mobile betting expansion begins, transforming accessibility
3
2019
Gambling Act review launched to address online harms
4
2024
1.3 million adults identified as problem gamblers
5
2025
Enhanced regulations and awareness campaigns intensify
European and Global Collaboration on Gambling Harm Prevention
European Safer Gambling Week (17-23 November 2025) unites 26 countries and nearly 200 organisations in a coordinated effort to promote responsible gambling across borders. This pan-European campaign facilitates the sharing of best practices, research findings, and player protection tools amongst nations at varying stages of gambling regulation.
Unified Standards
Harmonised player protection measures across participating countries
Shared Research
Collaborative studies on gambling behaviour and effective interventions
Public Education
Coordinated awareness campaigns reaching millions across Europe
Sustained Culture
Year-round commitment extending beyond designated awareness weeks
The emphasis on sustained cultural change—not merely annual campaigns—marks a mature understanding that gambling harm prevention requires continuous vigilance, adaptation, and community engagement throughout the year.
Recognising the Signs: Early Warnings of Gambling Harm
Early recognition of gambling harm can prevent devastating consequences. Understanding these warning signs enables timely intervention for yourself or loved ones before addiction takes complete control.
1
Financial Red Flags
- Borrowing money specifically for gambling activities
- Hiding losses from family and friends
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
- Unexplained financial difficulties or debt accumulation
2
Behavioural Changes
- Irritability when attempting to cut back or stop
- Spending excessive time thinking about gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
- Secretive behaviour around phone or computer use
3
Psychological Warning Signs
- Minimising losses whilst exaggerating wins
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve anxiety
- Chasing losses despite mounting negative consequences
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please reach out for help immediately. Early intervention dramatically improves recovery outcomes and prevents further harm.
Take Action: Join the Movement to End Gambling Harms
Change begins with each of us. Whether you're personally affected by gambling harm, supporting someone who is, or simply want to contribute to a healthier society, your participation matters enormously. Together, we can break the silence surrounding gambling addiction and build a safer future for everyone across the UK.
Raise Awareness
Share information using #BehindTheBet and #GamblingHarmsAwareness on social media platforms
Support Charities
Donate to or volunteer with Gordon Moody and other gambling harm prevention organisations
Empower Others
Educate yourself, loved ones, and communities about gambling harms and available treatment resources
Start Conversations
Open dialogue reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help before it's too late
Share Resources
Distribute helpline numbers and support information within your networks and communities
Advocate for Change
Support stronger regulations and increased funding for gambling addiction treatment and prevention
Together, we can build a safer gambling future
Every action counts. Every conversation matters. Every life saved is a victory worth celebrating. Join us this Addictions Awareness Week and beyond in the vital mission to end gambling harms across the United Kingdom.