"I actively ask anybody to consider when they are gambling to look at the deeper reasons, and not just the money. The reasons you're doing it is usually something else."
Let’s open up about gambling
One of the biggest barriers to people getting help and talking openly about gambling is the worry they’ll be judged by others. People sometimes feel judged because of the stigma around gambling harms. This stigma can stop people affected by gambling harms from getting the right help.
Stigma is a negative belief that a society or group of people have about something, which often results in people being unfairly labelled or judged because of it.
Starting a non-judgmental and honest conversation can be the first step towards getting support, whether you have gambled, or if you’re affected by someone else’s gambling.
Harms from gambling can happen to anyone.
One in four people think they know someone who has experienced problems with gambling.1
Gambling stories
"When I found out that my partner had been gambling, a lot of the focus was on trying to find them support. It wasn't until much later that I realised that it did have a really big impact on me"
"I saw an advert on TV that offered £10 for free if you bet £10, and who says no to free money? Ultimately, that was the start of what led me to prison."
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Talking about your own gambling
If you’re worried about your own gambling, it can be difficult to know what to say. Remember you’re not alone. If you want to talk to someone about your gambling, you could try a trusted friend or family member as a first step.
To start a conversation about gambling worries you could say:
- “I feel as though I’m maybe losing control of how often I’m gambling”
- “I’m finding it hard to cope at the minute. I don’t know what to do.”
- "I have bills to pay, and it feels as though there is no other way to get more money.”
- “Gambling is really following me around. The adverts and notifications are everywhere. What do you think I should do about that?”
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling, it could help to reach out to your bank or a free advisor:
- “I’m finding it hard to cope with my expenses. What support do you have?”
- “I’ve been spending more on gambling than usual. How do I set up gambling blocks on my account?”
- “How do I clear my gambling debt? I don’t know where to start.”
- “How can I protect my family from gambling related debt?”
- “My partner has run up a lot of debt. What are our options?”
Talking to someone else about their gambling
Whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, it can be difficult knowing what to say or how to help.
If you talk to someone else about their gambling, let them know you’re concerned because you care about them, and want to understand what they’re going through. This can help them feel safe, speak openly and will allow you to develop a plan together.
To start a conversation with someone about their gambling, you could say:
- “I can see you’re not happy at the minute. Is there anything you want to talk about?”
- “Are you okay, you don’t seem like yourself at the moment?”
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been gambling a lot recently and it’s starting to make me worry. If you want, we could look at what advice and support is out there together?”
- “Do you feel your gambling might be tipping into something less enjoyable?”
- “Do you want to talk about how you’re feeling about your gambling?”
Find out how to help someone who gambles
Language plays a big role in driving feelings of judgement and stigma. It’s important to try not to use terms that might reduce someone’s identity to their behaviour. For example:
- ‘problem gambler’
- ‘gambling addict’
Instead, use respectful, compassionate and non-judgmental language. For example:
- ‘person who gambles’
- ‘person experiencing problem gambling’
For more advice on how to avoid using stigmatising language, read our language guide.
Responding to them
If someone talks to you about their gambling and does not seem worried, you could say:
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been gambling a lot recently, is everything OK? Is there anything I can do to help?
- “I’ve noticed you gamble a fair bit; how do you feel when you can’t?”
- “This must be really difficult for you, but you might find it helpful to talk to someone.”
- “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone you don’t know about things that are bothering you.”
If they have said they are worried about their gambling, you could say:
- “Thank you for being honest and open with me.”
- “How can I support you?”
- “I really appreciate you sharing this with me, that must have been hard. I hope you know you aren’t on your own.”
- “Talking about it is a huge achievement – there are ways to get help.”
- “I could help you look at what support and advice is available, if that would help?”
You could also help direct them towards possible support, for example:
- “I’ve heard the National Gambling Helpline can be quite useful. It’s not just there for when there is a problem.”
- “Have you thought about visiting GambleAware’s website? I know they have tools and tips on their website, I can have a look with you if you think that would help?”
- “That must be quite difficult, I’m happy to help you find out what you can do about it.”
How talking can help you
Talking to someone about what you’re going through can be a big step towards getting the support you need.
Watch our lived experience community talk about their experience with gambling, and how they got the support they needed.
How talking can help you
Find support for you
You can also talk to someone confidentially by reaching out to the National Gambling Helpline. They’re always ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will not judge you, and can offer free advice, information and emotional support.
You can contact the National Gambling Helpline by:
- calling the Helpline on 0808 8020 133
- starting a live chat
Find support for you
Advice for healthcare professionals
Open up about gambling
If you’re a healthcare professional who needs to talk to someone about their gambling, you should make sure the language you use is compassionate, supportive, and not stigmatising.
Stigma has been linked to poor mental health. When stigmatised, people often experience feelings of shame, embarrassment and other negative self-beliefs.
As a healthcare professional, there are several things you should do when talking to someone about gambling. For more advice on how to avoid using stigmatising language with a patient or client, read our language guide.
Open up about stigma
It might also be helpful to talk to your client or patient about the stigma associated with gambling harms and the impact it might have on them. This can help to normalise what they’re going through.
Direct them to the right help
You can refer someone to the National Gambling Support Network for free, confidential and tailored support.
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