The National Health Service (NHS) in England has reported an exponential increase in gambling addiction referrals, revealing that numbers have more than doubled when compared to 2023.
More specifically, between April and September 2024, more than 2,000 individuals were referred to gambling addiction clinics. Compared to the same period in 2023, this number was approximately 800 individuals.
To respond to this fast-growing demand, since 2019, the National Health Service of England has expanded its network of specialist gambling clinics to 15 establishments across the country, opening seven new clinics in 2023 alone.
These gambling clinics offer extensive support to individuals who suffer from gambling addiction, using multidisciplinary teams that include psychiatrists, psychologists, recovered gambling addicts, and mental health nurses.
The Head of the NHS Northern Gambling Service, Dr. Matt Gaskell, commented on the concerning trend and has expressed concern with the upcoming holiday period, highlighting the upcoming sporting events as the “perfect storm” for gambling addicts.
Moreover, Gaskell proceeded to explain that vulnerable individuals who receive bonuses or money as gifts during the holiday season are more likely to be “tempted to place a bet” and end up spending more than they intended, especially if we take into account the “barrage of adverts” that promote free bets and festive fixtures.
People may receive extra money as gifts or bonuses during the holiday period, or find that money is short, and could be tempted to place a bet, and end up betting more than they intended. With the barrage of adverts promoting festive fixtures, races, and offers, such as free Christmas bets, can make it look enticing, but these tend to encourage people to bet at high frequency. I have seen first-hand at my clinic how the festive period can lead to additional gambling harms.
*Interesting fact: According to the latest data by the UK Gambling Commission, around 138,000 individuals in England may be suffering from problem gambling, with an additional 1.3 million engaging in low-risk and/or moderate gambling behaviour.
Claire Murdoch, National Director for Mental Health at the NHS, highlighted the perils of gambling addiction while simultaneously requesting stricter rules and increased industry responsibility:
The NHS cannot be left alone to pick up the ills caused by firms engaging in activities that fuel addiction – these companies should think hard about the potential harm to people behind their profits.
