SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
GamCare has issued a public warning as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), drawing attention to the often-overlooked psychological toll gambling takes on those closest to the person gambling.
The charity, which provides support to people affected by gambling-related harm, is using the national awareness campaign to highlight a message that is frequently overshadowed: “Gambling doesn’t only affect the person who gambles, but also the people around them.”
Partners, family members, friends and even colleagues can all be impacted by someone else’s gambling behaviour.
According to GamCare, the emotional and mental toll can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a profound sense of stress. Financial strain, secrecy, and trust issues can also erode relationships and leave individuals feeling isolated or unable to speak out.
“It’s not uncommon for loved ones to experience a complex mix of emotions,” the organisation stated. “Shame, anger, guilt and helplessness are all typical, particularly when someone is trying to support a person who continues to gamble despite the harm it’s causing.”
To address this, GamCare offers a range of services for affected others. A weekly Family and Friends Chatroom, held every Tuesday from 10am to 11:30am, provides a confidential and supportive online space for individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and connect with others in similar situations. The organisation also runs a 24-hour helpline and live chat for those in need of immediate assistance.
GamCare encourages open, non-confrontational communication as a starting point. Rather than accusatory language, it suggests using statements such as “I feel worried about our finances” to express concerns in a constructive way. The charity also urges individuals to establish boundaries, particularly around money, to help protect their own wellbeing.
As the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week turns to how external factors can impact mental health, GamCare is making a clear case that gambling-related harm must be understood as a wider issue — not just one affecting individuals, but entire support networks.
Those affected by someone else’s gambling can contact GamCare’s National Helpline free and confidentially, 24 hours a day, on 0808 80 20 133 or via live chat at www.gamcare.org.uk.
