Gambling disorder, commonly called gambling addiction, is a pattern of gambling a person struggles to control and keeps up despite harm to their money, health, relationships or work. It is a health condition treated in the NHS, not a money problem or a character fault.
Key points
- Gambling disorder, or gambling addiction, is a health condition treated in the NHS, not a money problem or a character fault.
- Its features are preoccupation, staking more for the same feeling, chasing losses, concealment and continuing despite harm.
- Harm reaches past money into mental health, work and family life. NICE calls family and friends affected others, who can be supported too.
- NICE guideline NG248 recommends routine questions about gambling, a validated assessment tool, and CBT delivered by psychologists or accredited CBT therapists.
- Free help includes the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, 24/7, NHS clinics taking self-referrals, and GamStop, which blocks online gambling accounts.
Symptoms
- Preoccupation with past bets, the next one, or funding it; needing larger stakes for the same feeling.
- Repeated failed attempts to cut down; hiding statements, deleting apps, lying about time and money.
- Betting more than can be afforded, borrowing or selling belongings, missed bills, new debt.
Causes and risk factors
- Existing mental health problems, or alcohol or drug use; some prescribed medicines, such as those used for Parkinson's disease.
- Financial pressure, exposure to gambling advertising, new independence such as managing money for the first time.
Treatment
- Cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by psychologists or accredited CBT therapists, examining the thoughts and situations that lead to a bet.
- Non-judgemental, prompt access to treatment, treating relapse as part of the condition rather than failure.
- Blocking access: GamStop for online sites, bank gambling blocks, and dealing with debt through services such as National Debtline.
When to speak to a professional
- Gambling more than you can afford to lose, chasing losses, or trying to stop and finding you cannot.
- Get help immediately if you or someone else has thoughts of suicide or self-harm - call Samaritans free on 116 123 or 999 in immediate danger.
If you need help now: Samaritans, call 116 123, free, 24/7. Shout, text SHOUT to 85258. NHS 111, then choose the mental health option. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.