Raising women’s awareness of gambling-related harms during the cost-of-living crisis

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, GamCare’s mission to raise awareness of, and support those affected by gambling-related harm, is now more important than ever.   

While still often perceived as a male activity, levels of gambling-related harm among women, either directly or as an affected other, are increasing – and the gap is narrowing.  Today, up to one million women could be at risk from gambling harms.  Worryingly, recent analysis from the Gambling Commission reveals that one in four women 18-49 who gamble in Great Britain expect to increase their gambling in the coming months due to the cost-of-living crisis, while one in five are experiencing health challenges such as stress and anxiety. 

Despite this, just 1% of women affected by gambling-related harms are seeking help.  Many are unaware of the range of effective support and treatment services available, and often believe they exist to support men.  We understand that for women it can be difficult to take the first steps to get support.  Unfortunately, fear of social-stigma, feelings of shame or guilt, and of what might happen to them, represent powerful barriers.  

At GamCare we want to change this. 

• Up to one million women could be at risk from gambling harms

• Women are more likely than men to say their gambling has caused them mental health issues such as stress and anxiety

• Almost 40% of women experiencing high levels of gambling harm may not seek help due to stigma or feelings of shame

• Half of all women calling the National Gambling Helpline are affected others, affected by someone else’s gambling 

That’s why, through our Women’s Programme, we’re working hard to develop initiatives to address the unique drivers of gambling harm women face.  And we’re doing that in a number of ways, from engaging diverse communities to amplify the voices of women with lived experience, to strengthening referral pathways into support and treatment services and developing tailored services for women identified as underserved by current services. 

We’re raising professionals’ awareness and understanding of gambling-related harm through equipping them with the skills they need to identify at-risk women, and how gambling-related harm intersects with other issues affecting women.  We’re also giving professionals the confidence they need to talk about and screen their clients for gambling harms, and how to signpost and refer women and girls to tailored support services.  

So, whether you’re working in debt advice, primary care, mental health, housing or any other sector, you can sign up for GamCare’s free CPD accredited training for staff and volunteers to help make gambling-harms more identifiable when working with women (as well as men, and young people).  We’re also keen to raise awareness wherever we can and are happy to talk at community events and attend your team meetings.  

If you would like to find out more information about our treatment and support services, or our training, or would like GamCare to attend a networking or community event so that we can spread our message, please reach out to: 

Linda Jones Women’s Programme Training and Engagement Lead for Wales. Email: linda.jones@gamcare.org.uk Tel: 07375 296742 

* GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. We operate the free and confidential National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) 24/7 every day of the year (including via live chat on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger), provide free treatment for anyone who is harmed by gambling, create awareness about safer gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to safer gambling within the gambling industry.