As a summer of sport gets underway, problem gambling is likely to be a hot issue for many. Louise Harris from Options Wellbeing Trust, a Southampton agency that offers free counselling for people experiencing or affected by problem gambling, takes a closer look at what's often a hidden addiction – and the help that's available.
Some facts about gambling
The scale of the problem may surprise you: there are thought to be around 300,000 adult problem gamblers in the UK, but the real number is likely to be much higher. Gambling is usually a hidden addiction and can be hard to identify, because the gambler will have become used to lying to cover up tell tale signs. If you have a friend or family member with problem drug or alcohol use their physical appearance usually gives them away fairly quickly. But with problem gambling, the first you may know of it is when other problems reveal themselves such as serious debt, eviction orders, court notices, relationship breakdown or a criminal conviction – often theft to pay for their gambling.
‘Around 30% of our gambling clients are women,
and this figure continues to rise every year’
Gambling is nothing new. The Egyptians used painted knucklebones as four sided dice 4000 years ago and the first recorded horse race took place in England in the year 210. The first lottery in England was approved by Elizabeth I in 1588 who needed money to repair ports in Kent. In the past it was largely seen as a male problem, however with the advent of online gambling, and in particular the popularity of heavily advertised online bingo, that has changed, with 76% of men and 68% of women having gambled in the past year.
At Options, around 30% of our gambling clients are women, and this figure continues to rise every year. Fixed Odds Betting Terminals now account for over half the problem gamblers we see. For this reason as you may have seen, the government is looking at changing the law around their use and also at allowing local councils to refuse planning permission for a betting shop if there are already others in the same high street.
Do I have a problem?
At Options, we don't say don't gamble at all, but we talk about a healthy approach to gambling. Of course gambling, like most things, is fine in moderation: it's fun and entertaining, offers the chance to win money, offers a chance to take risks, provides a challenge and an element of skill is sometimes needed. It can give you a natural buzz and also be part of social activity.
However, when it becomes a problem, gambling destroys people's lives, jeopardising relationships with partners, friends and family, as well as education and jobs. In some cases people turn to crime as a way out of their financial difficulties. Problem gamblers may suffer from depression, low self-esteem and the physical effects of stress; and as their lives spin out of control they may also be at risk of suicide.
How can Options help?
In partnership with GamCare, Options provides a free, Hampshire-wide specialist counselling service for anyone concerned about their own or someone else's problem gambling. We offer one to one counselling with experienced and skilled specialist trained counsellors who will create a non-judgemental and nurturing environment in which you can be given the time and support to look at your behaviour and how it affects those around you.
The main aims of our gambling counselling are to help you:
• Understand some of the underlying reasons why gambling has become a problem
• Stop or reduce the frequency of problem gambling
• Develop ways of coping with problem gambling behaviour
• Address related issues that are causing harm or damage
• Develop a productive and healthy life without problem gambling.
So if you are now thinking about your gambling, let's look at what is a healthy approach. Consider the following points to prevent problems and keep your gambling under control:
• You are buying entertainment not investing your money
• Set strict limits before you start gambling on how much money and time you will spend
• As the old saying goes, Quit while you're ahead
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Do not chase your loses
• Have other hobbies and interests to make sure gambling does not overtake your life
• Gambling in moderation is ok, healthy and fun.
If you are concerned about your or someone else's gambling there is an online self- assessment tool you can try on the Options website.
You can also phone the GamCare free helpline on 0808 8020 133 for support, information and advice, seven days a week, 8am until midnight
If you would like an assessment appointment with one of our trained counsellors call our Head Office in Shirley on 023 8063 0219. We can help you take control of your gambling issues leading to a brighter future. And remember, even a journey of 1000 miles starts with that first step.
Louise Harris
More about Options
Options Wellbeing Trust is a long established and well respected local charity offering one to one counselling, training and development. Working primarily across Hampshire it has offices in Southampton, Basingstoke and Milton Keynes. All three locations are able to offer a range of daytime and evening appointments. The head office is in Shirley Road, Southampton where clients are welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee and seen in pleasant counselling rooms.
Options also offers confidential counselling for a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, self-esteem and confidence, depression, distress, loss, bereavement, addictions, redundancy, problems at work and many more. A team of professional counsellors are trained in a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques and work to British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Code of Ethics. This is a non-profit making fee paying service at competitive rates with payment plans available.
Links
Options
Options Gambling Counselling Service
Photo of Ladbroke’s in Brook Street, Tottenham N17, under CC2 by Alan Stanton
Photo of gambler at machine, under CC2.5 by Jose Pereira - http://www.jpereira.net