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Lifestyle

4. Gambling Support

There are many types of gambling. They include arcades, betting, bingo, casinos, lotteries, and gaming machines. The internet has made gambling much easier. This means more people can now gamble online at home at any time.

Why is gambling harmful?

Everyone who gambles risks experiencing its harmful effects. For some people, gambling can become extremely harmful because it can lead to:

  • Financial difficulties – running up debts and not having enough money for essentials
  • Relationship problems and conflicts at home
  • Health problems, both mental and physical
  • Poor performance at work
  • Criminal activity, particularly theft or fraud, to fund gambling
  • Depression and suicide attempts in gamblers are double the national average

Gambling can also harm those close to the person with an addiction. This includes family, friends, and colleagues.

Are you living with a gambling addiction? Or are you affected by someone who is? You are not alone. Gambling harms one in fifteen people in Greater Manchester, directly or not.   

How does gambling harm happen?

It’s important to understand that gambling harm happens to someone. It is not their fault. It is caused by harmful, addictive products. The marketing of them leads people to believe that gambling is safe, social, and low-risk. 

Gambling ads are everywhere. Millions see them daily. They often offer free bets or prizes. Advertisers use such ads to get people to start gambling. Or, to gamble more on harmful products.

The gambling industry also uses direct marketing. People send it through text messages, apps, or emails. People hurt by gambling are nine times more likely to get offers. These offers include free bets, free spins, and chances to regain lost money. On average, they receive an incentive to gamble every day.

Spotting the signs of harmful gambling

Access to the right help and support at an early stage is crucial. Recognising the warning signs can help identify when it might be time to get help. Common signs of harmful gambling include the person:

  • Gambling more than they plan to
  • Not being able to stop gambling or thinking about gambling, despite wanting to.
  • Device monitoring becomes a recurring task
  • They conceal the amount of money and time spent gambling. They do this by hiding betting slips, lottery tickets, or gambling money.
  • Borrowing money and not repaying it
  • Stealing money to use for gambling
  • Workers are having problems. For example, they have absences, lack of concentration, and do not complete tasks
  • Harming or losing a significant relationship because of gambling.
  • Not sleeping and feeling constantly restless
  • Feeling guilty about the way they gamble
  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling depressed
  • Feeling suicidal or thinking about being absent from the world

If you think any of these things are happening to you or someone close to you, it may be time to get help and support.

Who should I talk to at work about support with gambling?

We know the harm gambling can cause and the impact it can have, and we want to support anyone affected by this. You can talk to someone in many ways. They can help you with gambling harm at work. 

Talk to your manager

We encourage you to speak to your manager at any time as they are there to help and support you with your wellbeing. They may not know much about gambling harm. But, they can consider how to best support you at work and help you get the right outside support.

Contact a Mental Health First Aider

You can talk to our Mental Health First Aiders during work hours. Our Mental Health First Aiders can give you initial support. They can also point you to the right help. 

Have a look at our Employee Assistance Programme

Through our Employee Assistance Programme, you have free access to trained advisors. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

PAM Assist’s advisors will be able to help you get started on your journey away from gambling harm. 

External services offering help with gambling harm

Chapter One

If gambling affects you, you are one of millions. Chapter One has the info to help you understand the causes of gambling harm. It will also show you where to get the right help. This help is free from gambling industry funding and influence.

Beacon Counselling Trust

Beacon Counselling Trust is in the North West of England. It offers free, tailored support and education to those affected by gambling harms. This help includes 121 therapy, couples therapy, practical help, and long-term recovery support.  

The NHS Northern Gambling Service

If you think gambling could be affecting you, the NHS has clinics specifically to help. They’re easy to access and confidential. The team will provide you with information and support at every step.

Some, including the NHS Northern Gambling Service, also support the loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. This includes family, partners, and carers.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a group of men and women. They share their experience, strength, and hope. They do this so they can solve their common problem and help others do the same.

Gamblers Anonymous offers many aids for the compulsive gambler. These include a forum, a chat room, literature, and, most importantly, a meeting finder.

Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and they have meetings every day of the week. 

For more information and to find a meeting visit:

GaMHive

GaMHive raises awareness. It reduces the stigma of gambling harm in Greater Manchester.

They work together and guide those experiencing GRH. This includes gamblers and affected others.

They guide them to support and guidance groups. They also advocate for lasting policy change locally and nationally. 

Citizens’ Advice

Citizens’ Advice gives people knowledge and confidence. They need these to find their way forward, no matter the problem. 

They offer lots of help and support with money and debt. They can refer you to support with gambling.