Suffolk gambling service warns problem gambling is rising as new stats released
New figures released this week suggest around five million Brits want to reduce or quit gambling
A gambling support service in Suffolk says problem gambling continues to rise, and the true number of people struggling is likely to be “far greater” than new national estimates.
New figures released this week suggest around five million Brits want to reduce or quit gambling. But frontline workers say this only reflects those willing to admit they have a problem.
Dan Chandler, clinical operations manager for Break Even, said the number of people seeking help has been “increasing all the time”, fuelled largely by the accessibility of online gambling.
“It’s been progressive for many years now… with online platforms as well, it’s increasing all the time,” he said.
“That number of five million will be, I suppose, the people who want to declare it as well. I would imagine that number is far greater.”
Chandler said Break Even has seen a noticeable rise in both men and women seeking support, with more women coming forward as stigma begins to ease.
“The people we see coming through our service are always increasing. A lot more females are coming forward for support as well because the stigma almost seems to be lessening slightly,” he said.
“There is still a lot of stigma there… but only increasing really, which is not great, but it does mean that people are coming forward for more support.”
Why people gamble and why it escalates
Chandler said most people begin gambling in ways that feel social and harmless.
“Most people’s gambling can start off in a fun way. It can obviously be quite sociable… It can be a way for people to connect with other people,” he said.
He added that some people gamble in online communities or Facebook raffles, which can feel “connecting”, especially for those who are isolated.
But the stigma and secrecy around gambling harm make early intervention difficult.
“There’s so much guilt and shame and remorse attached to it… because you can hide it so well, people feel like ‘I’m not going to come out until I have no other choice’,” he said.
“With alcohol and drugs you’re going to see it… but gambling people can hide it right until the last second.”
Advice for people worried about their gambling
For those beginning to feel concerned, or already struggling, Chandler says, the first step is to reflect on what gambling is providing and what it is taking away.
“It’s really important to analyse what gambling does for you… what do I get from gambling and what would I get if I didn’t gamble?”
Often, he says, the costs far outweigh the perceived benefits.
“People talk about enjoying the buzz… but then there’s so many more negatives attached to it,” he said.
“My mental health will be better, I’ll save more money, my relationships will be better… On the other side they’ll often say, ‘I can win money or I feel a buzz’, and that will often just be it.”
Support now more flexible than ever
Chandler stressed that treatment no longer follows a one-size-fits-all approach.
“There’s so much support… one-to-one counselling, group support, peer support, rehab centres, clinical interventions with medication prescribing,” he said.
“It’s a lot more tailored to people than it ever used to be.”
Support can focus on reducing harm rather than immediate abstinence.
“Sometimes we work with minimising it… rather than going full cold turkey,” Chandler said.
“Rather than gambling every day, could you bring that down to a couple of times a week? Or if you’re spending £500 a week, could you bring that down to £100?”
Sessions typically range from six to eight, but can be shorter or much longer depending on need.
‘Everyone recovers in different ways’
Chandler said recovery is unique to each person.
“Everyone gambles in different ways. Everyone recovers in different ways,” he said.
“You have to make sure everyone fits the right bit for them.”
Break Even offers post-treatment support and aftercare to help people maintain long-term change.