Harmful Gambling is defined as an urge to gamble continuously despite negative or harmful consequences or a desire to stop.
It is estimated that 20% of the UK population (approx 13 million people) experiences gambling-related harm, either to the person themselves who is gambling, or through the gambling of another individual.
Gambling can lead to a wide range of harms including insomnia, financial difficulties (which may quickly become great), physical health problems, mental health issues including anxiety, and relationship problems including domestic violence. Harmful gamblers are 15 times more at risk of suicide than the general population and this is significantly higher in individuals under the age of 30. People will often present with these problems rather than mentioning the gambling itself, so gentle direct enquiry may be useful e.g ‘Do you, or anyone close to you, have an issue with gambling?’
The PGSI mini-screening tool includes some useful questions that can be asked to assess someone’s problem.
There are support services available: Gamcare and the RCA Trust work together to cover different areas of the Lothians (please see Resources and Links for more detail). There is also a 24-hour helpline and Gamblers Anonymous. Patients can self refer to services or a GP referral can be sent. There are currently no NHS services for gambling in Lothian.
C.M. & J.C. 14-02-24
Adult mental health services do not provide interventions for people when gambling is someone’s primary problem. There are other resources available – see Resources and Links. Gambling may also be associated with side effects of treatment for Parkinson’s Disease – if so, please speak to the relevant Neurologist.
The National Gambling Helpline is operated by Gamcare 24 hours a day – 0808 802 0133 and the website www.begambleaware.org is good source of information for both professionals and people affected by gambling.
The RCPSYCH has a PIL on gambling disorder.
Local
In Lothian there are several organisations providing a variety of supports (both 1:1 and group) to problem gamblers, and those affected by another’s gambling. At present their boundaries are arranged by postcode, rather than council areas so the areas below are for guidance only. They are happy to transfer referrals between themselves if the area is incorrect and are currently working to simplify boundaries. All accept self-referrals or those from others.
- Gamcare Scotland GamCare Scotland – GamCare – covers mainly Edinburgh City 0131 261 5220. A variety of Gamcare leaflets are downloadable at Support leaflets – GamCare
- The RCA Trust www.rcatrust.org.uk – covers mainly East, Mid and West Lothian 01418870880
- Cyrenians homelessness prevention charity provides a service called Chances: Gambling support. Chances supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness into recovery from gambling harm – whether they are the gambler themselves or someone impacted by another person’s gambling. Support is delivered to suit each individual’s needs by taking a harm reduction or an abstinence-based approach to gambling and gambling harm, depending on the person’s preference. Support to other services is also offered. Cyrenians covers all areas of Lothian and support is offered on site at its offices, online, over the phone, or on an outreach basis in the community.
- Gamblers Anonymous Scotland www.ga-scotland.org – has meetings in Edinburgh, Livingston and Musselburgh and also online.
- https://apps.nhslothian.scot/files/sites/2/Safer-gambling-leaflet.pdf
