Citizens Advice have published a research report on the life-changing effects problem gambling can have on the families, friends and work colleagues of the gambler – from increased debt to family breakdown.
The research involved an online survey of around 1,500 self-selecting problem gamblers and affected others, as well as more than 30 in-depth interviews with both problem gamblers and affected others. The report looks at:
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The impact of gambling related harm on gamblers and affected others – the partners/ex-partners, relatives, friends, children and work colleagues
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The contributing factors to gambling becoming a problem
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The effectiveness of tools to control problem gambling
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Support services
We are using the findings of the report to respond to the government’s consultation on proposals for changes to Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures.
There are a number of recommendations aimed at banks and other creditors. These are:
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Banks and creditors should provide training to their staff so that they feel more comfortable talking to customers about gambling addiction.
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Banks and credit card companies should investigate how they can use their data to identify the signs of problem gambling and signpost their customers to support.
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Where appropriate, creditors should allow their customers more flexibility to restrict gambling transactions and reduce lines of credit.
Read the full report here.