Charity issues warning to highlight people’s struggles with gambling harm, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts

• New report from GambleAware finds one in five people with high levels of problems with gambling have attempted suicide at some point in their life, with most linking their most recent suicide attempt to gambling.
• Some people with lived experience of gambling harms and suicidality highlighted how they used gambling to cope with feelings of loneliness which could lead to the vicious cycle of experiencing gambling harm, increased isolation and suicidality.
• People who said that gambling was an important factor in a suicide attempt, reported that shame or guilt was an important factor in their decision, as well as other people judging their gambling.  
• GambleAware highlights that help is available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts related to gambling harm. 

The charity GambleAware has warned that gambling harm and loneliness related to it has a link to suicide for people, as it publishes a new report today.  

The report, produced by The National Centre for Social Research1, looks at the links between gambling harm and suicidal ideation and attempts, and found that one in five people (22%) with high levels of problems with gambling have attempted suicide, while two-thirds (66%) said their most recent suicide attempt was connected to gambling. 

Loneliness, which can be one of a number of issues during a difficult time of the year post Christmas, was found to be a big factor. People who gamble and said they currently feel lonely “some of the time” were nearly four times more likely of having ever had suicidal thoughts, while those who said they feel lonely “often or always” were seven times more likely of ever having had suicidal thoughts compared to people who reported “never” feeling lonely. 

Some people with lived experience of gambling harms and suicidality highlighted how they used gambling to cope with feelings of loneliness, which could lead to the vicious cycle of experiencing gambling harm, increased isolation, and suicidality. 

People who have experienced suicidal thoughts also experienced stigma and worried about what other people would think of their gambling. Among people who reported that gambling was an important factor in their latest suicide attempt, 79% reported that shame or guilt related to their gambling was an important factor in their decision, while 76% reported that other people judging their gambling was also a contributor. 

This reinforces previous GambleAware research, which found that stigma can lead to extremely poor mental health and is still a major issue stopping people from seeking support for gambling harm. 

Identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation, or having a disability were associated with an increase in the chances of lifetime experience of suicidality among people who gamble. It found that one in twenty people (5%) who gambled and reported no limitations in their day-to-day life due to a disability had ever attempted suicide, compared to 14% of those who reported some limitations and a quarter (26%) of those who reported a lot of limitations.  

People who gambled and identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation, were1.69 times more likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts and 2.3 times more likely of having attempted suicide, compared to people who identified as heterosexual. 

Overall, the findings indicate that everyone who experiences gambling harm is at risk of experiencing suicidality 2, and the report stressed that everyone who receives treatment or support for gambling harm should be assessed for suicidality as soon as they reach out for help. The report also highlighted that longer-term recovery support is just as important as initial treatment, as returning to gambling is a key risk of suicidality among those who have not gambled in a while. Some people who returned to gambling were found to be likely to experience suicidal thoughts as they felt they had ‘failed’ and would never be able to stay gamble free.  

GambleAware is emphasising that help is available for people experiencing suicidality related to gambling harm, with support from LGBTQ+ service Switchboard. 

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware CEO, said: “Gambling harms can affect anyone, and this report shows the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives. Gambling can be addictive, which is why it is critical the risks are made clear, alongside clear signposting to free help and support for anyone who might need it. The New Year can be a particularly difficult time for some people, and it is important people know there is help available and always someone to talk to if they need it. We urge anyone who is worried about their gambling to search GambleAware online or contact the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133 for free and confidential advice, tools, and support.  

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.” 

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Executive - Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, said: "We recognise the serious issues raised in this report and the clear links between gambling harm, loneliness, and suicidality, particularly for LGBTQ+ people. Many in our community already face higher levels of stigma, isolation and mental health challenges, and gambling harm can deepen these experiences, making it even harder to reach out for support. At Switchboard, we are committed to ensuring LGBTQ+ people are not left to face these challenges alone. We are currently developing a dedicated gambling harm support service for the LGBTQ+ community, by the community, with lived experience at its heart. This work is rooted in listening, understanding, and responding to the real experiences of LGBTQ+ people affected by gambling harm.” 
 
ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

1.    The report is based on a nationally representative survey of people who gamble, conducted in October 2024, consisting of 11,646 respondents, as well as interviews with people with experience of gambling harms and suicidality, and interviews with stakeholders involved in the provision of treatment and/or support for gambling. 
2.    Suicidality refers to the incidence of suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation, which can impact on daily functioning and have an associated level of distress. 

• Anyone in crisis can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.
• For guidance, please find Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide.
• You can visit the Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard website at www.switchboard.org.uk to access their services, or contact their Gambling Harm Service Manager, Ben Howard, at Ben.howard@switchboard.org.uk, who can listen and help you find the support you need.

About GambleAware

• GambleAware is the leading independent charity (Charity No. England & Wales 1093910, Scotland SC049433) and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention, and treatment across Great Britain to keep people safe from gambling harms.