Gambling charity helping people in Oxfordshire warns festive period is hardest time of year
Research shows those experiencing problems with gambling are more likely to bet during the festive period
A charity that helps people in Oxfordshire with gambling addiction is warning that the festive period is one of the most difficult times of the year for anyone struggling or recovering.
Research from GamCare shows that around 59% of those who experience problems due to their gambling say they are more likely to gamble during the festive period than other times of the year.
That statistic has also increased by 37% compared to last year.
‘It’s thrown in your face’
During the festive period, sport on our TV’s is more prevalent than usual with various football matches, darts tournaments, and rugby taking to the screens – which charities warn increases gambling issues during the festive period.
Gordon Moody Association offers residential courses for people in Oxfordshire who have problems with gambling.
Jon Murray, Director of Operations at Gordon Moody, explains: “We’re a country that’s obsessed with football, cricket and rugby, all those different types of sport – but what you can do is remove yourself from those environments to take some time out.
“Stop, pause, think and reflect.”
Gambling sponsors are also prevalent with these sports which Mr Murray says, “it’s kind of thrown in your face”.
Mr Murray said: “Some people can have their own kind of challenges around Christmas and with the prevalence of sport and the gambling advertisement that goes alongside that, it’s kind of thrown in your face.”
The Gordon Moody Association say they see a rise in people asking for help with issues around gambling at the start of the New Year.
Mr Murray said: “People reflect a bit more, and you might have friends and family who are saying things like, ‘your behaviours have changed’ and ‘are you conscious you’re behaving in a certain way’.
“So, I think that prompts people to get in touch with organisations like Gordon Moody.”
He added: “Don’t suffer in silence and sit there alone thinking this isn’t possible because recovery is possible.”
“It can also provide a good opportunity to open up”
GamCare has recently commissioned a YouGov survey of over 4,000 UK adults which also highlights more than half (53%) of those gambling at harmful levels are reporting increased feelings of stress or anxiety, with 56% saying that gambling made them feel more isolated.
Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive, at GamCare said: “The festive period can be a difficult time for those struggling with gambling, but it can also provide a good opportunity to open up about the issues you’re facing.
“Our new research shows that there has been an increase in people who already have gambling issues saying they are more likely to gamble over the festive period than at other times of the year.
“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 days of the year – including the whole of the festive season.
He added: “There are many ways you can get support, whether it’s calling an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp features in case you are concerned about privacy while family and friends are around.”
If you have been impacted by this story, you can get in touch with Gordon Moody and GamCare.