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Understanding the risks of gambling
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bg-tangerine-10 js-banner-position" data-script="position"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="breadcrumbs"> <ul class="breadcrumbs__list"> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Home</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Advice</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">For your gambling</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item breadcrumbs__item--active"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/understanding-the-risks-of-gambling/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Understanding the risks of gambling</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="standard-banner__container"> <div class="standard-banner__content"> <h1 class="standard-banner__content-title h1">Understanding the risks of gambling</h1> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/kmgbcaw2/people-thinking.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> <div class="standard-banner__content-text body-m rte"><p>All gambling carries some risk, but some types of gambling carry more risk than others.<br><br>It can be helpful to know the risks associated with gambling, and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing harm.</p></div> </div> <div class="standard-banner__media"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/kmgbcaw2/people-thinking.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </section> <main class="main"> <div class="main__container" data-pageKey="fe5a44b6-d922-40cf-ac26-5b0439ab2a8e"> <section class="zig-zag-full-height margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__container bg-grey-40"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__copy"> <h2 class="zig-zag-full-height__copy-title h2">What are gambling harms?</h2> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__text rte"><p>Gambling harms can be anything that negatively impacts the life of the person gambling or the lives of those around them. When gambling harms people who gamble, it can also be known as ‘problem gambling’, or ‘gambling addiction’.</p> <p>Gambling harms can take many forms, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>financial difficulty </strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>mental health problems </strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>relationship problems </strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>trouble at work </strong></li> <li><strong>feeling isolated or alone</strong></li> </ul></div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap--mobile"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/qghheoex/people-looking.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__links"> </div> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__media zig-zag-full-height__media--desktop"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/qghheoex/people-looking.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="card-list margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="card-list__container"> <div class="card bg-tangerine-10 card--large"> <h3 class="card-title h3">The signs of gambling harms</h3> <div class="card-text rte"><p>Gambling can grip anyone, and the harms that it causes are more common than people think. While they may not present as physical symptoms in the same way that other public health issues do, they can be equally detrimental to a person’s wellbeing.</p> <p>Gambling harms can be hard to spot, so understanding the signs is an important step towards getting the right support. </p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/advice/for-your-gambling/the-signs-of-gambling-harms/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Find out more about the signs of gambling harms </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="card bg-tangerine-25 card--large"> <h3 class="card-title h3">Gambling harms assessment</h3> <div class="card-text rte"><p>If you’re still not sure if you’re experiencing gambling harms our self-assessment can help you understand how gambling might be impacting your life. Once complete, you will be offered tailored support should you want it.</p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/gambling-harms-assessment/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Take the self-assessment </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag-full-height margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__container"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__copy"> <h2 class="zig-zag-full-height__copy-title h2">Types of high-risk gambling</h2> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__text rte"><p>Some types of gambling are riskier than others. Studies have shown those that are more accessible and have certain design features (for example faster play speeds) are harder for people to keep track of. This makes it more likely that people using them could experience negative consequences.<br><br>In general, lotteries are less likely to be associated with harm whilst gambling games are more commonly associated with harms. Betting is somewhere in the middle. <br><br>It can be useful to know some examples of the relative risk of specific gambling products.</p></div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap--mobile"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/pklapjan/womna-think.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__links"> </div> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__media zig-zag-full-height__media--desktop"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/pklapjan/womna-think.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/t2nhlnhg/people-with-phonex.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Online betting on football</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Statistics show football betting is one of the most popular types of gambling in Great Britain. However, almost 1 in 10 people taking part in this type of gambling are experiencing ‘problem gambling’. This is higher than on average.<sup>1</sup></p> <p>Live betting, also known as in-play betting, has been shown to be particularly harmful because of the variety of potential bets and fast-changing nature of odds. These can easily distract individuals from the world around them.<sup>2</sup></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/2b3kfcbf/man-on-phonex.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Online casino games</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Statistics show almost one in five people who have used online casino or instant win games in the last year are experiencing ‘problem gambling’.<sup>1</sup></p> <p>Their repetitive, fast-paced nature and quick outcomes make it easy to spend a lot of time and money without meaning to.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/krvls4fy/image-boxdd.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Machines in bookmakers and pubs</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Physical gaming machines are used less often than online games, but they are heavily linked to gambling harms. Around half of those who have used gaming machines in a bookmakers in the last year are experiencing ‘problem gambling’. This makes it the most harmful type of gambling product available.<sup>1</sup></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/4p4h2c1l/crowded.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Scratch cards</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Scratch cards are also a commonly used form of gambling but have a higher-than-average rate of gambling harm. As many as one in 16 people who use them experience ‘problem gambling’.<sup>1</sup></p> <p>Research has found that the public feels they are one of the most addictive gambling products on the market.<sup>3</sup></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item bg-tangerine-10"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">If you’re worried about gambling</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, we have lots of support to help you.</p> <p>Read our:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong><a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/" title="For your gambling">advice if you need help and support with your gambling</a></strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong><a href="/advice/for-family-and-friends/" title="About someone else’s gambling">advice about someone else’s gambling</a></strong></li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">If you’re worried about gambling</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/1mlnbxmd/people-on-coffee.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse bg-tangerine-10"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2"> Find the right support for you</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>If you or someone you care about needs support, the National Gambling Support Network can help. They offer treatment, advice and support for people affected by gambling. All their services are free, non-judgemental and confidential. </p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Find out more about available support </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-group"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2"> Find the right support for you</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/vnljdw14/woman-loop.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="reference-list margin-none" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="reference-list-wrap"> <section class="references js-accordion" data-script="accordion"> <button type="button" class="references-button button js-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" data-title="References">References</button> <div class="references__content js-accordion__content" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="references__item"> <h3 class="references__item-title h4">1. Relative risk of different gambling products</h3> <p class="references__item-text body-s"> by Bournemouth University, August 2022</p> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/media/jhypcb11/how-to-create-safer-online-gambling-bournemouth-university-august-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> How to create safer online gambling </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="references__item"> <h3 class="references__item-title h4">2. Who makes in-play bets? Investigating the demographics, psychological characteristics, and gambling-related harms of in-play sports bettors</h3> <p class="references__item-text body-s">Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2023</p> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/12/2/article-p547.xml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Who makes in-play bets? </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> <div class="references__item"> <h3 class="references__item-title h4">3. Gambling stigma polling</h3> <p class="references__item-text body-s">Gambling stigma polling 2023 by Ipsos.</p> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="gleap js-gealp" data-script="gleap"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="gleap__container"> <div class="gleap-title h3">Is this page useful?</div> <div class="gleap__controls"> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='Yes'>Yes</b> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='No'>No</b> </div> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--secondary js-gleap-button" data-answer='Report a problem'>Report a problem with this page</b> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section class="contact-banner" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="contact-banner__container"> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__logo-container"> <img class="contact-banner__logo" src="/media/3wslw2i4/gamble-aware-logo.svg" alt="" /> <img class="contact-banner__logo contact-banner__logo--second" src="/media/pusbbkde/contact-logo.svg" alt="" /> </div> <h2 class="contact-banner__title h2">However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.</h2> </div> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <div class="rte"><p>The <a href="/tools-and-support/national-gambling-support-network/" title="The National Gambling Support Network">National Gambling Support Network</a> helps people struggling with gambling, and people who are worried about someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>Call or chat online to an advisor, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.</p> <p><span class="body-small">Delivered by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/" target="_blank" title="GamCare">GamCare</a></span></p> <p><span class="body-small">24 hours a day • 7 days a week • UK only</span></p></div> </div> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <a class="cta cta--tangerine-50 js-support-tracking" data-value="Footer" href="/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id=""> <span class="icon-start icon font-ico-group"></span> <span> Find support in your area </span> </a> <button type="button" class="cta cta--primary cta--chatbot js-modal-chatbot-open js-tracking-livechat" data-value="Footer"><span class="icon font-ico-chat"></span><span>Live chat</span></button> <div class="modal js-modal-chatbot js-modal-chatbot-default" aria-expanded="false" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="modal__container" data-script="figure"> <div class="chatbot js-service-modal-container"> <button class="chatbot-button btn-close js-modal-chatbot-close"> <span class="sr-only">Close Chat Modal</span> <span>Close</span> <span class="icon font-ico-close"></span> </button> <h3 class="chatbot-title h3">Chat with an adviser</h3> <div class="chatbot__description rte body-s" ><p>The National Gambling Helpline’s live chat is free and confidential. If you’re ready to talk, the team are here to listen, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.</p></div> <div class="chatbot__form"> <iframe title="GamCare Chatbot" src=https://app.five9.eu/consoles/ChatConsole/index.html?title=Gamcare%20Chat&tenant=GamCare-%20(thru%20babble)&profiles=GambleAware&showProfiles=true&autostart=true&theme=https%3A%2F%2Fstage-gambleaware.uksouth01.umbraco.io%2Fcss%2Fstyle.min.css%3Fv%3D638671766815059399&surveyOptions=%7B%22showComment%22%3Atrue%2C%22requireComment%22%3Afalse%7D&fields=%7B%22name%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Name%22%7D%2C%22email%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Email%22%7D%2C%22Question%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%2C%22label%22%3A%22Question%22%2C%22required%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22UserLocale%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%7D%7D&playSoundOnMessage=true&allowCustomerToControlSoundPlay=false&showEmailButton=true&useBusinessHours=false&showPrintButton=false&allowUsabilityMenu=false&enableCallback=false&callbackList=&allowRequestLiveAgent=false></iframe> </div> <div class="chatbot__caption rte"> <p>The live chat is delivered by GamCare and only available to people in England, Scotland and Wales. 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