Rise in prison problem gambling leads to GamCare urging reforms

The University of Staffordshire and GamCare have called for more UK prison reforms to address rising gambling harm rates among inmates.

Research commissioned by the university, co-funded by GamCare and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS), revealed that gambling harm is becoming increasingly more prevalent among those part of the UK prison system.

Not only that, but the impulsive behaviour can also be a problem for people under probation supervision, becoming a prominent risk factor for entering debt, homelessness or reverting back to crime, inevitably leading to a repeat incarceration of those under the probation bracket.

Within prison walls, the research highlighted that problem gambling can also lead to prisoners becoming a victim of violence themselves. This was especially pronounced in Wales’ male prisons, affecting 11% of respondents.

The majority of inmates across all UK prisons also revealed that they have never been asked whether they’re affected by gambling.

Associate Professor Sarah Page, Research Lead, said: “Gambling harm is a somewhat hidden crisis affecting people across our prisons and probation services. Our research highlights the urgent need for consistent, effective support services for those harmed by gambling — whether directly or indirectly.”

What is the solution

The university, together with GamCare, now recommends that a mandatory problem gambling recognition training be rolled out for staff across all HMPPS prisons, with lived experience contributions taking a central role in the approach. 

In the UK, industry shareholders that can proactively participate in the coordination of such training are plentiful, with widely-recognised national networks – such as Deal Me Out, EPIC Global Solutions, or Gordon Moody – carrying a lot of experience in this area.

Additionally, there could be another reason as to why now might be a good time to consider such action – namely the Gambling Review White Paper’s RET statutory levy, which will unlock an additional £100m in funding for national problem gambling initiatives.

All in all, across the total 15 recommendations made, the bottom line is that the university is hoping for its research to serve as a stepping stone for what would be a more conscious approach towards gambling harm intervention within the Criminal Justice System.

“By sharing our findings, we hope to inform meaningful reforms within HMPPS and community services that reduce reoffending and improve lives,” Page concluded.