The cost-of-living crisis has put extra strain on budgets, and you might be tempted to take up, or return to gambling, to make some extra money to cover the cost of your bills.
Gambling can easily become problematic. It’s everywhere, from TV adverts to football shirts, and companies quite often draw you in with free bets or cash back.
It’s known as the ‘hidden addiction’ because quite often the signs are not clear. The Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) have put together a list of the more common signs that could mean either you or a friend has a problem with gambling.
Spotting the Signs of Harm
- Preoccupation with gambling
- Missing lectures or coursework deadlines
- Withdrawal from social situations or friendship groups
- Increasing secrecy
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Gambling until there’s nothing left
- Chasing losses
- Borrowing money often
- Unexplained debt
- Feeling anxious and worried
A 2019 survey from YGAM found that 47% of students had gambled in the last 12 months. Of these, 16% could be identified as moderate risk or problem gamblers, meaning about 264,000 students in the UK were at some risk from gambling, with around 88,000 already defined as problem gamblers.
The biggest step to overcoming gambling addiction is recognising you or a friend has a problem. Once you’re aware of this, you can start to take steps to deal with it.
You can seek advice or support from the university by speaking with a Student Wellbeing Adviser or our Student Money Advisor. Get in touch by emailing infopoint@chester.ac.uk, or if you’d prefer you can contact the Student Assistance Programme.
There’s also lots of organisations who offer support to problem gamblers. Below are some of those organisations who can help:
Gamcare – Gives information, advice and support for problem gamblers and their families, through the
National Gambling Helpline, online chats, forums and treatment programmes.
National Problem Gambling Clinic – Provides treatment for problem gamblers living in England and Wales who are aged 16 and over.
Be Gamble Aware – Learn about how gambling works, check if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem and find tips on how to stay in control.
Gambling Therapy – Provides support, advice and self-help tools for people struggling with gambling.
Gamban – A paid for service to block access to online gambling services.
GamStop – Lets you restrict online gambling activities for free.