Vulnerable people turning to gambling to help with rising bills, survey shows

People across the UK are turning to gambling to try and cope with the cost-of-living crisis, research shows.

A survey commissioned by the charity GamCare found that 4 in 10 "problem gamblers" think betting will improve their financial situation, compared to just 7% of UK adults.

The YouGov survey of more than 4,200 people also showed 1 in 6 problem gamblers had used a "warm bank" in the past 12 months, compared to 5% of the general population.

And half of parents experiencing problem gambling said that they had gone without food or clean clothes in order to support their children, compared to 1 in 5 parents more widely.

Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, said the cost of living crisis has brought “particularly acute” challenges for people addicted to gambling.

Heather Wardle, a researcher in gambling harms at the University of Glasgow, called for more to be done to ensure companies aren't exploiting the vulnerable:

“During Covid, the industry was implored not to exploit people during an exceptionally vulnerable time. An assessment is needed of what measures the industry is being compelled to take to ensure that people are not harmed or exploited by its products and practices during the cost of living crisis", she said.

Last week, CARE called for the government to raise an annual 5% levy on betting industry profits and use the money to address gambling harms.

Tim Cairns, CARE’s gambling policy lead, commented:

“The gambling industry boasts profits of almost £15 billion per annum from British punters. These profits come at a high cost to the public. Gambling addiction shatters individuals, families, and communities.

"It is past time big betting was made to pay. Under current rules, betting companies make voluntary contributions towards addressing gambling harms. But these contributions are woefully inadequate.

“In 2019 the gambling industry upped voluntary contributions to offer £110 million for counselling and support services by 2024. This payment isn’t even a drop in the ocean of what is required.

It is estimated that treatment for gambling harm costs about £600 per person per year. In the whole of the UK there is about 400,000 people who need help. That means £240 million is needed per year.

“It is time for a substantial, compulsory levy to be placed on gambling companies. Money from this can go to services that free people from the chains of addiction".