GambleAware has issued a new warning about the dangers of loneliness and isolation in people experiencing gambling harm.
The National Centre for Social Research produced a report that revealed one in five (22%) problem gamblers have attempted suicide at one point in their lives, with two-thirds (66%) citing gambling as one of the main reasons.
Many of the people who were interviewed explained that they used gambling to cope with feelings of loneliness, which led to the vicious cycle of experiencing gambling harm, increased isolation and then suicidality.
A further 79% reported shame or guilt over their problem gambling as being a reason for their attempt, while 76% said people judging them for their gambling was a major contributor.
Higher rates were also found among players with disabilities or those who identified as LGBTQ+.
Dr Sokratis Dinos, Director of Health Policy at the National Centre for Social Research, said: “This research demonstrates how gambling harms and suicidality are deeply intertwined, affecting people from all walks of life.
“We hope that the insights we have gained into how a range of individual and societal factors impact suicidality can help ensure that support services are accessible, holistic and responsive, especially at critical moments like relapse or crisis.”
GambleAware has consistently urged others in the industry to tackle the stigma of gambling harm and raise awareness of the different avenues available for players who may be suffering.
However, the organisation has also flagged potential concerns around operators relying on self-directed tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusions, as certain demographics are less likely to use these.
The study consisted of interviewing 11,646 individuals who gamble, as well as interviews with stakeholders involved in the provision of treatment and/or support for gambling
