The gambling industry must build reciprocal referral pathways with the debt-advice sector to help customers with gambling-related debt. That’s one of the key recommendations from GamCare’s second workshop which focuses on tackling problem gambling.
6 in 10 Brits Seeking Gambling Treatment had Debts
GamCare is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), a network of organizations providing free confidential treatment and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related harms. The latest data from the NGTS show that 6 in 10 people seeking gambling treatment had borrowed money to fund their gambling habit. Of those who had debts, 2% were unable to pay them off.
GamCare’s workshop held in November 2022 was participated in by more than 60 attendees, with speakers from Lloyds Banking Group, Bristol University, and leading UK debt advice organizations PayPlan, StepChange, and Citizens Advice.
GamCare Calls for Better Referral Pathways
Highlighted during the workshop is the importance of establishing better referral pathways between sectors to minimize financial harm caused by gambling.
The charity notes that clients will find it hard to pay off their debts if they are unable to control their gambling. This is based on feedback from people with lived experience of gambling-related debt.
Publishing the latest recommendations for addressing gambling-related debt, GamCare said the UK’s gambling industry, support and treatment services, and the debt advice sector must build reciprocal referral pathways to address gambling and debt simultaneously.