The national charity, GamCare, focuses on minimising harm for anybody that is affected by problem gambling.
Whether you are a problem gambler yourself or a family member worried about a loved one, this non-judgemental organisation offers a network of support.
Operating the national gambling helpline, running a 24 hour live chat, providing peer support and hosting therapy sessions are just some of the services they supply. With around 340,000 to 460,000 people labelled as a problem gambler in England, Scotland and Wales, the importance of GamCare’s support is evident.
Catherine Sweet, GamCare’s Head of Marketing and Communications, thinks that there shouldn’t be shame or stigma around gambling addictions. She said: “Not talking about it makes it worse so the better we can get over those barriers the better help we can provide the community.” She added: “We are with gambling where the discussion around mental health was five years ago. It is quite hidden and that isolation is a real issue.”
On the national gambling helpline GamCare advisors speak to around 40,000 people a year. However through the first national lockdown fewer people were using the helpline but instead using the live chat forums more.
“That links to the shame aspect in that they were concerned about privacy,” said Catherine. She added: “If they haven’t spoken to loved ones about what’s going on it’s harder to pick up the phone when people are in earshot of lockdown. The live chat is more discreet as they can have it on their phone.”
Even with casinos, bookmakers and bingo halls being closed throughout the lockdown gambling rates still remained high. For the more at risk and engaged players they tended to play longer, spend more money and potentially try new online activities which were still available. Catherine said: “There was more boredom, more free time and the thrill of trying something new but not potentially understanding the risks.” She added: “Isolation is a real issue that can put you in a really dark place and gambling can really heighten that.”
GamCare strongly believes that gambling businesses should ensure that risks of their products are clearly explained. “We understand that they are going to need to advertise their products but risk is an integral part of that so it should be very clear to customers,” said Catherine. She added: “The volume of advertising is not helpful in maintaining a recovery and trying to step away from gambling.
GamCare has got a whole host of options to help anybody concerned about gambling. If you require their support then click on the link to be directed through to their website - https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
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