GamCare Warns of Festive Gambling Risks
UK charity GamCare has launched its Christmas campaign, asking people to look out for the signs that someone they know may be struggling to control their gambling. The seasonal campaign also highlights that help can be sought through the gambling support charity’s live chat and 24/7 phone line. Christmas can be one of the hardest times of year for those affected by gambling harms.
Those struggling with problem gambling may feel extra pressure to provide at Christmas time. ©Lisa/Pexels
Confidential Help and Support
GamCare has launched a new campaign just in time for Christmas, urging people to be aware of the signs of problem gambling. The campaign seeks to remind people that support is available for those who need it and those who may be concerned about a loved one.
GamCare offers information, advice and support 24 hours a day, every day of year. Those seeking help can speak one-to-one with a Helpline Adviser by calling for free on 0808 8020 133. Helpline Advisers are also ready to talk via the website’s live chat feature.
The web chat option is great for those who may be unable to make a private phone call or speak out loud about the difficulties they are facing. Christmas can be the hardest time of year for many people that are affected by problem gambling.
Helpline advisers have highlighted that some people experiencing gambling harms find themselves unable to buy Christmas presents for their children. Instances like this can shine a light on the severity of gambling harms, and cause people to realize that they might need help.
GamCare’s helpline recorded an 18% rise in referrals for treatment in January 2020, before the first lockdown. Staff also noted that safeguarding issues also increased over the festive period. At Christmas time the financial issues, social isolation and mental health difficulties surrounding a gambling problem can be exposed.
Early December paydays can provide those who struggle to control their gambling with added temptation. Combined with an increase in alcohol consumption, time off work, changes in routine and extra sports events to bet on, gambling can spiral out of control for some.
Research conducted for GamCare shows that more than six million people in Britain know someone with a gambling issue. More than 1000 UK adults were surveyed between December 3rd and 6th. 20% of people in the UK have used their Christmas pay or a bonus to gamble with, and 8% said that they do this regularly. 25% of Brits said that they regretted placing a bet.
Web Chat and Phone Helpline
One helpline adviser highlighted the issues that early Christmas pay can cause for those who struggle to control their gambling. If a person receives the month’s pay early and bets it all, they won’t be paid again until the end of January. More than a month is a long time to go without money.
Christmas also generates a lot of expectations to provide food, gifts and entertainment. Those struggling financially, whether it is due to a gambling problem or not, can feel considerable pressure from family members. Those who hide their gambling will struggle to explain why they cannot afford some items.
They might lie to cover up their gambling and feel afraid of being found out. If their gambling problem is discovered, it may cause them to feel upset and that they have let their family down. Some people may attempt to chase losses, causing their debt to grow. A helpline adviser recounted one caller that sold gifts to fund their wagering.
Over the festive period, GamCare is reminding people that help and support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advisers can be spoken to on the National Gambling Helpline or the website’s live chat. The latter option offers more discretion to those in close proximity with housemates or family.
According to the charity, interactions through its live chat are on the rise. In 2020/21, live chats accounted for around 43% of all target calls. This was a 37% increase on the previous year. GamCare expects that this trend will continue. Announcing the new campaign, GamCare’s Director of Clinical and Communities Fiona Macleod said:
“We are always here to listen and support you when you might feel you have no other options. A message of hope – that is essentially what we’re giving people. Our phone line is open 24/7 over the Christmas period.”
Warning Signs
As well as signposting the ways that people can access support, advice and information, GamCare has highlighted five signs that people can look out for if they are concerned about someone’s gambling. Firstly, they should consider whether the person is withdrawn. Have they lost interest in their usual activities? Are they reluctant to spend time with friends and family?
This lack of engagement with others can be sign that a person’s gambling has become harmful. Staying at home more frequently and checking their phone a lot can also be signs that someone is over-invested in a bet over the festive season.
The second sign to look out for is changing mood. Gambling problems can cause people to feel worried, upset and agitated. When they have kept their gambling a secret these changes of mood can appear without any obvious reason. Changing mood is also linked with the next sign to look out for.
Sleeping problems can be triggered by excessive stress and anxiety. A person who is struggling financially due to gambling may find it impossible to rest. Gambling at night can also have an impact on sleeping patterns, especially when a person is trying to recoup their losses.
There also financial signs to look out for. Is the person often short on money and having to borrow funds? Those who share bank accounts with someone they are concerned has a gambling problem may notice that money goes missing from accounts with no explanation. A person may take out loans to chase losses or to buy nice things for Christmas.
Many people struggling with problem gambling can feel ashamed and vulnerable. They may lie about what they have been doing and where money has gone. These lies can cause a cycle of anxiety and fear of being found out.
