Gambling harm is becoming an increasing issue in our society, affecting many aspects of some customer finances.
We at Wessex Water have partnered up with GamCare who offer advice and support to those who are impacted. Here is some more information on the help and support they offer:
Gambling related financial harm can manifest in many ways and doesn’t only harm the person who gambles but their loved ones too.
Last year, 67% of callers to the National Gambling Helpline disclosed some level of gambling related debt, while 76% of the callers reported financial difficulties. These harms extend beyond those who gamble, with 39% of those affected by someone else’s gambling also reporting financial difficulties.
Gambling may feel like a tough subject to discuss with clients, but it’s an important conversation to have. If gambling isn’t addressed, maintaining payments for their bills and any debt solution if they require debt advice will not be sustainable.
Use positive communication rather than being confrontational or critical and reassure them that free help is available. An example of how to start the conversation could be asking how much they spend on gambling (including bingo, lottery) if you are discussing any payment plans. Let them know that there are self-help tools as well as professional support and encourage clients to take the positive first steps to address gambling.
GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline and offer free and confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling in Great Britain. Speak to a Helpline adviser confidentially 24/7 on 0808 8020 133 or access live chat. Advisers can also provide information about other support services and refer callers into GamCare’s Money Guidance Service.
TalkBanStop is a partnership that combines practical tools and support to help anyone stop gambling and maintain a successful recovery journey. It offers personal support via GamCare’s trained advisers, blocks access to gambling sites on multiple devices by offering Gamban blocking software, and signposts to register for GAMSTOP self-exclusion – all available for free through TalkBanStop.
Most UK banks also offer gambling transaction blocking tools.
Sign up to get updates from GamCare's Gambling Related Financial Harm project and you will be the first to hear about our webinars, workshops and networking events.
