Dear Members,
Have you checked out our new and improved Support Hub yet? Included in the updated set of resources is a button for support with problem gambling – something that affects some 1.3 million people in the UK. Thereās a huge taboo surrounding this topic, and we need to talk about it more.
[Gambling] is associated with feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can lead to poorer mental health outcomes. Many people worry about being judged or discriminated against by friends, family, or professionals, which makes it harder for them to seek support.
Which is why Lynn, our Head of Community, recently sat down with the Beacon Counselling Trustās Ian Whiteside (quoted above). She gained valuable, expert insights on gambling harms, how they affect individuals and families, and, importantly, what we can do to support those impacted. The chat made for an eye-opening read that could make a real difference!
Lynn began by asking about the early signs of gambling harms, and how to recognise these – whether in ourselves or others. Ian listed some key behaviours;
ā¢ Spending increasing amounts of time gambling, even when not enjoying it.
ā¢ Spending money that you cannot afford to lose, or prioritising gambling over essential expenses, like paying bills.
ā¢ Being secretive or dishonest about gambling to hide it from others.
If these first signs go unnoticed and are not acted upon, they can quickly lead to serious issues such as:
ā¢ Spending excessive amounts of time and money gambling.
ā¢ Using gambling as a way to generate income.
ā¢ Losing more money than you can afford.
ā¢ Chasing losses in an attempt to win back what was lost.
ā¢ Borrowing money to gamble.
ā¢ Prioritising gambling over essential expenses like rent or food.
He then told Lynn about the longer-term impact on a personās financial stabilityr;
The financial consequences of gambling can be severe. People may spend most or all of their weekly or monthly income on gambling, which impacts their ability to pay household bills. Over the long term, this can lead to significant debt, rent or mortgage arrears, and resorting to high-interest loans like payday loans.Ā
Gambling becomes problem gambling when it causes any form of harm to a life. However ārecreational gamblingā can easily become problem gambling.Ā
While many people can gamble safely, others may use it as a way to supplement their income or cope with difficult emotions.Ā
For recreational gamblers, there some key steps to take thatāll help stop a hobby from becoming a harm;Ā Ā
ā¢ Set strict money and time limits.
ā¢ Expect to lose, and see any wins as a bonus.
ā¢ Maintain interests in other hobbies and activities.
ā¢ Ensure you only spend what you can afford to lose.
ā¢ Avoid gambling when feeling upset or stressed.
ā¢ If you feel overwhelmed, speak to someone about your gambling concerns.
Prevention is always better than cure, but we also spoke of the importance of spotting the early signs that yourself, a friend, or a family member is struggling with or is at risk of experiencing problem gambling.
Should you notice any of the signs listed at the start of the chat, Ian reminded us that his organisation is a valuable helpline for local, judgement-free support:
Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) provides free and confidential specialist treatment services across Merseyside, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Cumbria. For more information, you can contact BCT at 0151 226 0696 or email support@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk.
Luckily, specialised charities like the Beacon Counselling Trust exist throughout the UK – help is available wherever you are. Ian told us how financial institutions like ECU itself can support their members.
Financial institutions can signpost individuals to specialist services, like Beacon Counselling Trust, which is part of the National Gambling Support Network.Ā
There are also a number of self-exclusion services, allowing people to voluntarily ban themselves from participating in gambling activities, both in physical venues and online. These include www.gamstop.co.uk, a free tool that prevents access to gambling websites and apps for a period of time, and www.sensescheme.com, which offers self-exclusion from casinos. The Beacon Counselling Trust can even assist with any costs involved in accessing any gambling support resources.
The chat finished with an important message from the expert as he summarised how we can stay aware of this issueĀ in ourselves and those around us, promoting safer gambling within communitiesā¦
Itās essential to be aware of some behaviours that increase the risk of gambling harm, such as gambling to make money, to relieve boredom, or to cope with emotions. Drinking or using drugs while gambling can also increase the risk of losing control. [….] Filling your time with healthier hobbies and being conscious of your emotional triggers can help manage gambling urges.
Lynn, along with the entire ECU team, would like to say a huge thank you to Ian for sharing his wisdom and for such an engaging, educational conversation! Gambling harm has a hugely negative impact on so many aspects of life, from finances to relationships. We need to start addressing it, and reduce that 1.3 million figure. So, a final word from Ian;
If youāre worried about your gambling, itās important to talk to someone you trust or reach out for professional support.
Remember – our Support Hub is free to use, and our team is just a message away. A problem shared is a problem halved.