GamCare warns public about Gambling risks over Christmas

GamCare launches a seasonal campaign inviting the public to pay attention to “signs that someone may be struggling with problem gambling over the Christmas period”. During the holidays, Gamcare wants to remind its audience that its helpline services remain available for people who may risk becoming addicted to gambling.

During Christmas 2019, GamCare’s Helpline recorded an 18% increase in referrals into treatment before the lockdown due to COVID-19 – and staff have also reported an increase in safeguarding issues during the Christmas holidays.

GamCare warns that during this holiday period, many will feel social and financial anxiety which might harm their mental health and lead to harm. Moreover, an early payday might add an extra temptation to gamble excessively, especially if this behavior is triggered by alcohol, changes in routines and an increase in sporting events available.

 “With more financial and family pressures, we know that the festive holidays can be a tough time for people trying to control their gambling,” said Fiona Macleod, Director of Clinical and Communities.
“During December, along with an early wage, there are more sporting events in close succession, heavy advertising from gambling companies, coupled with many people having free, unstructured time away from work.

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,” Macleod concluded.

In lockdowns, we have seen an increase in people opting for our live chat option. We want to remind people that this is still available if privacy is a concern.”

The campaign has been launched after results from a research by GamCare showed that over six million Brits know someone who suffers from a gambling addiction. Furthermore, one in five Brits (20%) have used their Christmas pay or bonus to place a bet, and 8% have admitted on doing it regularly. A quarter of Brits (25%) have regretted placing a bet before.

GamCare therefore reminds its audience that help and support are available through them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the National Gambling Helpline. Common signs of gambling addiction include being withdrawn, sleeping disorders, mood swings and lying about financial circumstances.