VAL hosted an informative webinar in collaboration with Leicestershire County Council Public Health and NHS East Midlands Gambling Harms Service. The session had three main learning objectives:
- To understand the concept of gambling-related harm and its impacts.
- To identify signs of problematic gambling and ways to provide support.
- To learn about the support available through NHS East Midlands Gambling Harms Service.
The most important takeaway? Ensure gambling-related harm is on the sector’s radar, and encourage open conversations with service users.
Dorian Carr (East Midlands Gambling Harms Service) began by sharing background information about gambling-related harms, including statistics, psychological insights and the national and regional picture. Jo Hewitt (Leicestershire County Council Public Health) then provided us with the local context and the Health Needs Assessment recommendations.
One of the five key recommendations stood out as something the voluntary sector can quickly integrate into their work: begin asking service users about gambling during initial screenings—just as we routinely ask about alcohol or drug misuse. This approach not only identifies support needs early but also helps build a Leicestershire evidence base.
Below are just some of the many useful insights shared during the session. If you’d like to learn more or receive the full presentation, feel free to contact helpline@valonline.org.uk
The Continuum of Gambling
Recreational or ‘lower-risk’ gambling
– Gambling occasionally, gambling for entertainment, hoping to win but expecting to lose
‘At-risk’ gambling
– Experiencing feelings of guilt, chasing losses, or betting more than you can afford to lose
People experiencing harmful gambling or gambling disorder
– Struggling to control gambling, experiencing impacts on finances, relationships, and/or mental health
Understanding Problematic Gambling
‘Problem gambling’ or ‘problematic gambling’ is defined as gambling that is disruptive or damaging to an individual or their family or interferes with an individual’s daily life.
There are approximately 6.5 million people in the Midlands who gamble, according to The Health Survey for England. Approximately 414,000 of these people are participating in harmful gambling.
Men are over 7 times more likely to become problem gamblers compared to women, however, the rate of gambling by women continues to grow and increased by 36% between 2019-2021
The Leicestershire Picture
1,815 adults in Leicestershire are estimated as experiencing adverse consequences from gambling
It is estimated that for every individual who experiences harms, six to ten other people are directly impacted. This amounts to between 10,890 to 18,150 Leicestershire residents
OHID research suggests 18,035 adults in Leicestershire might benefit from gambling treatment and support
9,697 children live in these households
894 Leicestershire 11-17 year olds are estimated to be gambling at harmful levels
If you are working with individuals who might need support, please see below further information about how to access support from the NHS East Midlands Gambling Service
We are able to support people who:
- Are 18 years old and over
- Are registered with a GP in the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)
- Are experiencing current or recent problematic gambling, resulting in harm to themselves and/or to other people
- Are able to commit time for assessment and treatment remotely by telephone or video call (on Microsoft Teams)
- Consent to treatment and agree to engage with our team.
How to refer?
The referral process is simple and straightforward. All we ask is that you provide us with some brief details about yourself and the person you are referring. You can do this either by email – dhcft.emgamblingharms@nhs.net
Or by completing the electronic form on our website Professionals :: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (eastmidlandsgambling.nhs.uk)
If you wish to follow up on a referral you have made, please call the team on 0300 013 2330.
Other Useful Resources
- GamCare – The leading provider of support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great Britain
- GAMSTOP – Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme
- Get The Support You Need to Quit Online Gambling. – Gamban
- Self Exclusion – Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme (self-exclusion.co.uk)
- Gamblers Anonymous – England, Wales & Ulster
- GamFam – Support for families/loved ones
- Chapter One – Useful resources for individuals or loved ones who want to support somone affected by gambling
