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    UK GPs and healthcare professionals help fight problem gambling

    news thumbnail image

    Learn how GPs and healthcare professionals in the UK will play an even bigger role in spotting problem gamblers and offering assistance.

    It has become clear that more and more regions are putting greater emphasis and focus on creating a responsible gameplay environment for casino players.

    Aside from imposing more restrictions on UK casinos, we also see that GPs and other healthcare professionals are being drawn in to help fight problem gambling.

    It’s no longer only casino operators or safer gambling initiatives but also everyday workers in the health sector.

    GPs and healthcare workers

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made its first recommendations on gambling, saying that they should start looking for gambling-related harm, which includes health, finances and people around the patients.

    Based on a 2023 survey of 20,000 adults, it was found that 2.5% had a gambling problem. And the greatest concern is among young men. This is why it is recommended for healthcare professionals to start speaking to people about gambling as well when they enquire about smoking and alcohol consumption during health check-ups.

    Furthermore, it’s recommended for professionals to encourage the completion of a questionnaire on the NHS website. Any score above 8 indicates that support and specialist treatment may be required. The main purpose of this is to aid as early as possible should patients need it.

    Online gambling ads in the UK under scrutiny

    We’re also currently seeing a call for stricter regulations on online gambling advertising in the UK.

    The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are urged to investigate operators' advertising practices, especially those related to data tracking and consent.

    There has been a buildup of concerns, with one of the most notable cases involving Sky Betting and Gaming (Sky Bet). The operator violated data protection laws by targeting a problem gambler without consent. Cases like this emphasise the need for and importance of stricter consent mechanisms and transparency in how gambling companies use customer data.

    While the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced measures, including age-gating restrictions on digital platforms, campaigners believe more needs to be done to protect the vulnerable and to educate those wishing to try their luck on how to play responsibly.

    The changes to direct marketing regulations are expected to take effect in May 2025. From then, online operators will be required to provide customers with opt-in marketing communication options.

    The UKGC has indeed been very busy. The Commission is also introducing a set of new rules and regulations to protect players. The latest changes include mandatory deposit limits for first-time players and clearer and more accessible information on customer funds.

    Set to come into effect on the 31st of October, they require new players to set deposit limits before their first payment, and operators remind them twice a year to review the amount.

    Another directive, starting by the 6th of April, requires operators to contribute up to 1.1% of their gross gambling yield and inform customers if their funds are protected in the case of insolvency.

    How online casinos can harm our health and wellbeing?

    • Online casinos are available 24/7, giving free access to gambling at any time, which may lead to excessive gambling.
    • Thanks to the anonymity online gambling provides, it has become easier for players to hide their behaviour from friends and family, which can lead to more severe gambling problems developing behind the scenes.
    • The instant win-and-loss mechanisms of online gambling are more addictive than that traditional gambling offers.
    • You may experience big financial losses with online gambling, which can cause more stress, anxiety and even depression.
    • Excessive online gambling can lead to social isolation, which essentially means you prioritise gambling over social interactions and responsibilities.

    Responsible Gambling & Play Safe

    Greater care for UK bettors

    GPs and other healthcare professionals have called for a review of UK gambling regulations and policies as they urge officials to bring in a better system that properly addresses the growing numbers of problem gamblers.

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states that there is a need for improved identification, assessment and treatment of gambling-related harms.

    The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has committed to reviewing the current gambling treatment system and identifying areas for improvement. The focus of this review is to strengthen the system and ensure effective treatment for gambling addiction.

    Leave us a review on Trustpilot!

    Published: February 7, 2025

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    Deni avatar image

    Article by Deni

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

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