NHS Reports Doubling of Problem Gambling Referrals in the UK

According to the NHS, approximately 2,000 people were sent to gambling clinics throughout the country between April and September 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, this showed a 130% increase in problem gambling referrals.

How did this happen when all we hear about is enhanced responsible gambling measures? Are they enhanced for the players or the casino operators? Our industry insiders take a closer look at what’s really going on.

The Numbers Are Rising. We’re Not Surprised

Gambling referrals to the NHS have doubled, but to anyone paying attention, the signs were always there. Even the NHS knows this. That’s why the director, Claire Murdoch, said, “The NHS cannot be left alone to pick up the ills caused by firms engaging in activities that fuel addiction – these companies should think hard about the potential harms to people behind their profits.”

We’ve worked inside the system, and things like more products, more personalisation, more 24/7 access and less protection are easily identifiable. When gambling operators prioritise profits over player protection, problem gambling will always increase.

From Casual Play to NHS Clinics: The Real Timeline

Almost everyone starts gambling as a form of entertainment. But when there’s a promise of doubling or tripling your money, many think they’ll get lucky and win big. But that big win usually doesn’t come.

You lose, so you try again. Then you lose more and feel like you have to keep playing to win your money back. That’s when things get serious. At this point, you are not gambling for fun. You are doing it to recover losses, thinking you’ve lost too much to quit now. Other signs that things are getting out of hand include:

• Betting money you shouldn’t
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Hiding habits from loved ones
• Getting into bad debt
• Good turned bad relationships with friends and family.

Why Referrals Don’t Always Mean Recovery

We’ve talked to players who got referred to the NHS, completed a programme, and still relapsed within months. Why? Because:

1. The root of the problem wasn’t just behaviour. It was the design of the games, the marketing, the ease of access, and the lack of real accountability.
2. The recovery process is long, and many don’t have the patience
3. Support services are underfunded and overstretched, so there are long waiting times.
4. Many people are reluctant to engage fully, mainly because of previous ineffective interventions.

Until these things change, referrals will keep rising, but recovery won’t necessarily follow.

Sources

1. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/12/nhs-tackles-problem-gambling-amid-growing-demand/
2. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/07/nhs-doubles-gambling-clinics-as-referrals-soar/
3. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/nhs-is-treating-twice-as-many-problem-gamblers-as-a-year-ago-gtgrsdzvh