cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Gambling Addiction – How we can help

LukasB
Former Staff
  • 1791 Posts
  • 177 Topics
  • 4 Solutions
Registered:

Hey guys,

 

I know we post a lot of fun and silly things on here - however, this time, we want to talk about something serious. Gambling starts off as something harmless and fun but it can become an addiction quicker than you may think. Especially during the lockdown people may have taken on a hobby that has become a problem…

 

pexels-olga-fedina-3768359.jpg

 

The issue

There were around 280,000 problem gamblers in England alone, according to a 2018 study by NHS Digital, although a YouGov survey in 2020 found this could now be 1.4 million across the UK.

 

Statistics released by the National Gambling Treatment Service in Oct 2020 show:

 

  • Fewer than 3% of problem gamblers are receiving treatment for gambling addiction
  • Of those being treated, 45% had racked up debts of more than £5,000, were bankrupt, or going through a debt repayment scheme. They had spent a median average of more than £2,000 in the month before receiving treatment
  • More than a quarter said they had lost a relationship because of their gambling, while 12% had lost a job
  • The report found that while the majority of people in treatment showed improvement, 40% of those who completed it were still classed as problem gamblers when it finished
  • Of those in treatment, 75% were men, typically in their 20s or 30s. But the NGTS report found that an increasing number of women were entering treatment, up from 19% in 2015-16 to nearly 25% in the year to the end of March 2020

 

surge in internet betting during the coronavirus pandemic was followed by a rise in the number of gamblers trying to block themselves from using online casinos and bookmakers, Gamstop, the national self-exclusion scheme for people wrestling with their gambling:

  • recorded a 21% increase in new exclusions during February
  • sign up figures have almost reached 200,000, including 326 new registrations on 22 February, a record for a single day since the service was launched in 2018
  • reported the increase in efforts to avoid gambling appeared to have followed a rise in online betting volumes during November and December

 

 

How we can help

Did you know that we can help if you are struggling with a gambling addiction? Our Access For You service can support you by adding additional spending controls to your O2 account, including adding tailored spend caps or age restrictions to the account. They can also prevent charges being added to your mobile bill if you’d find this helpful. For more information about our Access For You service, and how to register, check out https://www.o2.co.uk/access-for-all/services-and-support

 

Below are some websites which offer additional support:

 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-gambling-problems/

 

https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/gambling-therapy-presents-gt-app/ - a free app to give you access to a collection of tools and information to help you identify and overcome problem gambling

 

https://www.gamstop.co.uk/– allows you to put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities

 

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/ - offer support via a 24 phone line, web chat, group chats and forums with a linked site aimed at younger people - www.bigdeal.org.uk

 

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk – a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with each other so they may solve their common problem and help others do the same

 

https://www.begambleaware.org/ - working alongside the NHS, to offer telephone, on-line and face to face treatment

 

www.gamblingtherapy.org/ -  A free, multi-lingual online service for those who reside outside the UK

 

If you suffer from a gambling addiction or know someone who does don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. It is never to late to take a first step and leave bad habits behind.

COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help


If you'd like to take part, why not register? slight_smile
signature

Message 1 of 7
2,097 Views
6 REPLIES 6

TallTrees
Level 49: Rootin' Tootin' 
  • 10668 Posts
  • 119 Topics
  • 344 Solutions
Registered:

Hi @LukasB 

Nice to hear from  you to-day.

Good subject.

Hope that it will help those who don't know where to turn for help.

 

I have never enjoyed card playing or the fruit machines never been to a Casino. 

The lottery is a con.  Scratch cards are also a con.  I don't like fun-fairs either.

I abhor Horse Racing and Dog track racing.  

The "house always wins"  is the motto of these gambling places.

 

I am surprised actually that the Government allows so much gambling and easily available

gambling i.e. arm chair gambling.  I suppose it is because they make millions from it.

Is it enjoyment?  So much heart-ache, so much despair.

 

Horse Racing money was so important during the very early days of the pandemic that the Government did not close the Horse racing tracks and 60,000 people a day went to these meetings shocks me really.  Then closed immediately after racing/gambling completed.

 

TV advertising too gamble on this gamble on that win this win that doesn't help.

What's really odd is that whilst trying to encourage the listener to gamble there is a little

notice "be gamble aware"  is this a joke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



HAPPINESS IS BEE SHAPED

Message 2 of 7
2,090 Views

LukasB
  • 1791 Posts
  • 177 Topics
  • 4 Solutions
Registered:

@TallTrees Thank you - it is quite a big issue and I was not aware until now. I see how easy it is to get addicted. I can never buy one scratch card it makes me mad if I dont win and I keep going and going...

COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help


If you'd like to take part, why not register? slight_smile
signature

Message 3 of 7
2,084 Views

Cleoriff
  • 122357 Posts
  • 824 Topics
  • 7457 Solutions
Registered:

A very important topic @LukasB 

I also agree with @TallTrees. The advertising for gambling has increased over the last year or so.

I enjoy an occasional flutter on the lottery as it does support good causes.

I've been into a casino once and couldn't believe the excitement. I was bored.

Thanks for all the links you gave. Extremely helpful for many.

Veritas Numquam Perit

Girl in a jacket
Message 4 of 7
2,083 Views

O2EmmaLouise
O2 Support
O2 Support
  • 254 Posts
  • 0 Topics
  • 28 Solutions
Registered:

Great information @LukasB!

 

I enjoy casinos when on holiday but I definitely understand how people can get hooked on them and any gambling in general. 

Message 5 of 7
2,057 Views

TallTrees
Level 49: Rootin' Tootin' 
  • 10668 Posts
  • 119 Topics
  • 344 Solutions
Registered:
True @O2EmmaLouise it's OK holiday money weekly Bingo with groups of friends and a cup of coffee some places do meals, sort of throw away money and sometimes there is a winner.
I have fluttered on the lottery @Cleoriff odds became even worse so put my lottery money into something more positive for me.



HAPPINESS IS BEE SHAPED

Message 6 of 7
2,040 Views

O2EmmaLouise
  • 254 Posts
  • 0 Topics
  • 28 Solutions
Registered:

@TallTrees same for me slight_smile I've played the lottery a few times but I much prefer putting my money towards investments and the future.

Message 7 of 7
2,034 Views