Gambling is the act of betting or wagering money or something of value on an outcome that is largely influenced by chance.

Gambling is more accessible than ever, and university students are at risk due to increased access, stress, and peer pressure. Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with daily life, finances, relationships, or mental health. 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.

Types of gambling

Examples of gambling include:

• Casino games (e.g., blackjack, roulette)
• Sports betting
• Online gambling (e.g., slot machines, poker)
• Lottery tickets
• Bingo
• Betting on horse races
• Scratchcards

Gaming and Gambling

The convergence of gaming and gambling is when video games start to include gambling-like elements, like loot boxes and in-game purchases. These features create randomness and risk, much like gambling. You’ll see this in "social casino games" or games with loot boxes you can buy with real money. While this adds excitement, it also raises concerns about addiction and whether these games should be treated like gambling. As gaming continues to grow, the mix of both worlds is getting bigger, which could change how we experience digital entertainment in the future.

Reducing the risk of gambling harm

• Set a money limit in advance, and stick to it.
• Walk away from your losses.
• Treat gambling as an expense.
• Set a time limit in advance.
• Notice your feelings.
• Keep other activities in the mix.
• Take lots of breaks.
• Be careful if you drink or do drugs.

For more detailed advice on how to reduce gambling related harm, visit GambleAware

Seeking support with gambling

If you or a friend are concerned about gambling, here are some resources for help and advice:

• YGAM: Educates and safeguards young people against gaming and gambling harms.
  Website: www.ygam.org | Tel: 0203 837 4963
• GamCare: Offers free support, information, and counselling for problem gamblers.
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk | Tel: 0808 8020 133
• Gamblers Anonymous UK: Provides local support groups based on a 12-step recovery program.
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Gamstop: Blocks gambling websites for those wanting to stop online betting. Free for students.
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic: Offers treatment for problem gamblers.
  Website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk
• NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders: Supports individuals with gaming addiction.
  Website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk

Other options for support

The University of Worcester has a specialist Counselling and Mental Health service to support students with gambling-related challenges. We recommend contacting a specialist gambling service for support, but if needed, you can also book an appointment with the university’s Counselling team. We advise accessing support from only one specialist service at a time to avoid duplication.

Confidentiality 

The Help & Advice service is confidential - nothing you tell us will be shared with the University of Worcester or any other organisation or individual without your permission. There are rare occasions where a breach of confidentiality may be deemed necessary. A breach of confidentiality will only occur if staff have evidence to believe that someone is at risk of harm and abuse. Further details can be found in our Confidentiality Policy. If a decision is made to breach confidentiality, the client will be informed in advance of the breach.  

Disclaimer 

Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained on the Help & Advice webpages is both current and accurate. However, information within these pages is subject to change without prior notice. Please seek professional guidance for the latest information. Any advice given by members of staff is based on the information available and to the best of their knowledge. No liability can be accepted for any errors or misleading information. Please note the Help & Advice service is a member of AdviceUK.