Gambling has become more accessible than ever and some students develop problems with gambling during their time at university. It's important for you to be aware of the issues around gambling and where you can go if you're experiencing gambling related harm.
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The stats
- 264,000 students in the UK are at some risk from gambling with 88,000 defined as problem gamblers
- 59% of students who gamble say they are always worrying about their financial situation
- 16% of students who gamble have gambled more than they could afford
- 19% of problem gamblers consider suicide and a problem gambler is 6 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts
- Gambling legislation hasn't been updated since 2005 - before the rise of social media and smart phones
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How to stay safe when gambling
- Set a limit on your spending and ALWAYS stick to this limit
- Don't use gambling as a way of making money and only gamble with money you can afford to use
- Monitor how often you're gambling and how much time you spend gambling
- If you're gambling online make sure the website/s you use are fully licensed
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Gaming
Many online, mobile, and video games now include large elements of gambling. Studies show that common aspects of gaming, such as loot boxes, can be considered gambling and bring with them many of the problems associated with gambling. Whilst gaming can be a fun activity and escape from normal life, it is possible to develop an addiction to gaming and the gambling associated with certain gaming activities.
The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) has been set up by people with lived experience to inform, educate, and safeguard young people against gaming and gambling harms. YGAM has an online hub, written by students for students, at www.ygam-research.org.
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If you think that you or a friend have developed an unhealthy relationship with gambling and would like to seek advice or help for this, please see the links below:
YGAM aim to educate, safeguard young people against gaming and gambling harms.
GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.
Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Gamstop is a software that blocks gambling websites for anyone wanting to stop online betting and is completely free for students.
Recover Me 100 App is an app (free for the first year) that helps users manage their gambling addiction through various strategies and cognitive behavioural therapies.
NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic is an established provider of treatment for problem gamblers in the UK.
The NHS also has has National Centre for Gaming Disorders.
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If you need any further help and advice, or wish to talk to someone in confidence, contact the Help & Advice service