New data published jointly by GamCare and debt advice provider PayPlan shows rising demand for financial support linked to gambling losses in the UK.
GamCare said the number of people seeking help through its Money Guidance Service doubled in 2025. A total of 1,954 people accessed the service during the year, compared with 923 in 2024, representing an increase of 112% year-on-year.
The charity also reported that the amount of debt disclosed by service users rose 153% from the previous year. More than £7.2m ($9.3m) in collective debt was reported during 2025, compared with more than £2.8m in 2024. The average amount disclosed per person increased from £13,876 to £21,269.
Separate January 2026 figures showed further growth in demand. GamCare said 233 people sought guidance through the Money Guidance Service during the month due to gambling-related losses, almost three times the level recorded in January 2025.
PayPlan reported 21,000 contacts across January 2026, up 22%. It also said the number of people referred directly from GamCare’s treatment services into its debt advice support increased from 181 in 2024 to 243 in 2025, up 34%.
PayPlan Vulnerability Lead, Emma Gibbons, said: “We’re seeing first-hand how gambling-related harm is increasingly linked to debt. The rise in referrals from GamCare reflects the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn after suffering losses.”
GamCare said its advisers have also helped people identify more than £90,000 in unclaimed benefits since the start of 2024. The charity launched the Money Guidance Service in 2022 to support people dealing with the financial effects of gambling harm.
The latest UK figures follow broader responsible gambling discussions in other regulated markets. In February, stakeholders including football clubs, regulators and licensed operators gathered in Buenos Aires to discuss consumer protection measures and the distinction between regulated and illegal platforms in Argentina.
GamCare said its National Gambling Helpline operates 24 hours a day throughout the year and provides free, confidential support
