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Gamcare UK

About Gamcare

Gamcare has a commitment to promoting responsible attitudes ao gambling and to work for the rpovision of proper care for those who have been harmed by a gambling dependency.

Gamcare is gambling neutral. The charity does not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate, or engage in, gambling opportunities that are legally available in the UK.

Counselling

Gamcare provide individual and couple counselling for anyone who is experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem – including partners and family members. The service is confidential and abides by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics and Practice.

The main aims of their counselling are:

To help stop or reduce the frequency of problem gambling.
To help develop ways of coping with problem gambling behaviour.
To help understand some of the underlying reasons why gambling has become a problem.
To help address related issues that are causing harm or damage.
To help develop a productive and healthy life without problem gambling.

Gambling problems in the young

Figures from the 2000 Prevalence Study ‘Gambling Behaviour in Britain’ showed that the group most vulnerable to developing a gambling problem is 16-24 year old males, with 4% of those who have gambled in the last year developing a gambling problem. The same age group for women also had the largest prevalence of all age groups at 1%. Gambling among young people is a real problem, yet there is still a great lack of education within schools regarding the impact of gambling. For example, whilst other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol and smoking are comprehensively covered within the PSHE (Personal and Social Health Education) guidelines, gambling is nowhere to be seen. However there is a great need for education within this area, especially as the gambling opportunities available for today’s generation are continuously expanding.

Signs and symptoms of Gambling Dependency

A gambling dependency is very difficult to spot. It has been called the ‘hidden addiction’ because:

There are no physical symptoms as there are with drug abuse or alcoholism;
Gamblers frequently do not believe they have ‘a problem’ or wish to hide it;
Gamblers are exceedingly plausible and become adept at concocting believable stories to mask the truth;
Money shortages and debts can be explained away with ease;
With young people, gambling may be only one of several excessive behaviours.

Signs and Symptoms:

Clear Indications

Requests for help from gambler
Admission by gambler that he or she spends too much money on gambling
Gambler saying that they spend too much time gambling and cannot keep away
Gambling seen as a legitimate means of making money
Persuading friends to gamble against their will
Gambling alone for long periods
Frequenting amusements arcades, betting shops, horse and dog tracks, bingo or casinos several times a week
Spending excessive time playing on internet gambling sites
Spending more than they can afford on the Lottery
Committing crime to fund gambling or pay off gambling debts

Possible Indications