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UK: New analysis shows problem gamblers are more likely than others to have suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide and to harm themselves
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GambleAware and the Gambling Commission have last week published the results of a small-scale research project that examines the link between problem gambling and suicide. The report will contribute to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms and is based on findings from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS). Out of over 7,000 respondents, 41 were found to be problem gamblers and were identified as being more likely than others to have thought about suicide and to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months.
The results showed that of those identified by the survey as problem gamblers, one in five (19%) had thought about suicide in the past year, compared with 4% of non-problem gamblers/non-gamblers. 5% of problem gamblers reported they had made a suicide attempt in the past year, compared with 0.6% of those who showed no sign of problem gambling.
The survey analysis shows an association between problem gambling, suicidal behaviours and loneliness that warrants further investigation. Problem gamblers were more likely to feel lonely and isolated from other people than the rest of the population. Problem gamblers appeared to have a smaller network of people they felt close to and were less likely to feel that their friends and family gave them encouragement and support.
This analysis is based on data from the 2007 survey. The APMS survey repeated in 2014 but did not include questions on gambling. It is hoped that the Department of Health and Social Care will commission another Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for 2021 and the authors recommend that questions on gambling behaviour be included in that study to explore the association between gambling and suicidality further.
In order to scope out what further research may be needed, a range of stakeholders, including those with lived experience of gambling harms, including addiction and bereavement due to suicide, attended a one-day workshop. The aim of the session was to better understand what knowledge gaps there were regarding gambling and suicide and to develop recommendations for future work.
Recommendations include:
- The development of educational packages for clinicians, primary care providers and coroners to raise awareness of the association between gambling and suicidality.
- The commissioning of a systematic review of evidence of the relationship between gambling and suicidality
- The conduct of a psychological autopsy study to explore cases where gambling is related to suicide.
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware has said:
“There is limited data and research on the link between gambling and suicide and this research is just the start. This report has clearly identified the significant gaps in the data that is currently available and what steps we should be taking to get more evidence to help improve our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between gambling and suicide.
It is vital we all know what signs to look out for in a gambling addiction, so we can point people in the direction of help as and when they need it. We look forward to continuing to work with Government, particularly the Department of Health and Social Care, and all those involved to promote the help and services available at BeGambleAware.org.”
Dr Heather Wardle, Assistant Professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said:
“The harms from gambling are profound and can be devastating for individuals, families and communities. These results show how people with gambling problems are a higher risk group for suicidality. Everyone involved in providing, legislating and regulating gambling should recognise this risk and take action to prevent harm”.
Professor Ann John, Swansea University and Chair of the National Advisory Group to Welsh Government on Suicide and Self-harm prevention said
‘Death by suicide is usually in response to a complex interplay of a number of factors, it is rarely due to a single reason and is never inevitable. However, there is no doubt that there has been a lack of recognition that there is an association between problem gambling and suicide.
‘Our research is a first step in understanding that association. Problem gamblers should be included as a high-risk group in suicide prevention strategies, efforts made to improve awareness, particularly in those providing services, and we need to encourage people to seek help before they reach a crisis point.’
Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said:
“This research is based on data from 2007 but nonetheless the findings clearly show a connection between suicide and gambling, something that has a real and devastating impact on people’s lives. Whilst further research and more timely data collection is essential, we are taking further action now to protect people from the risk of gambling harm.
“As a result of this research, the Commission and Samaritans will work together to bolster the existing requirements on gambling businesses to identify those at risk and take action to address and reduce harm.
“However, progress cannot be made by us alone, we need to work together to implement the priorities outlined in the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, and the key recommendations of this research. This is vital to ensuring we have the best research, prevention and treatment services available for vulnerable individuals, their families, friends and communities.”
The three research documents are available below, along with a summary of the key findings and recommendations.
Report 3: Scoping Current Evidence and Evidence-Gaps in Research on Gambling-Related Suicide
- The survey was conducted over a decade ago and the sample was relatively small, with just 172 people identified as at risk of problem gambling and 41 identified as problem gamblers. Both problem gambling and past-year suicide attempts/thoughts are relatively rare, and the analyses were underpowered. The survey is cross-sectional in design and the data cannot be used to establish temporal sequencing in problem gambling and suicidality, nor causality.
- The Commission’s Research Programme in support of the National Strategy includes an emphasis on measuring and understanding harm. A better understanding of gambling harms for adults and children and young people will help to target prevention and education initiatives where they will have most impact.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: UK: New analysis shows problem gamblers are more likely than others to have suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide and to harm themselves
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Latest News
Boomerang Partners has announced a gift auction at their booth during the upcoming SiGMA Europe 2025 in Rome
Boomerang Partners, an affiliate marketing agency and an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, is preparing numerous activities for their booth 5046 G at the upcoming SiGMA Europe 2025 in Rome. The main highlight will be a gift auction featuring valuable prizes:
- Signed Luka Modrić (football legend and AC Milan player) jersey
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Deep Blue
- Ray-Ban | Meta Wayfarer smart glasses
- Apple AirPods Pro 3
To try their luck in the gift auction, SiGMA Rome participants must visit the Boomerang Partners booth on November 4th and 5th and perform various tasks. For completing them, they will receive special chips of different denominations. The more chips they have, the higher their chances of winning in the auction. Details can be obtained from the hostess at the booth.
The final will take place on November 5th at 4:00 PM. On the same day, Boomerang Partners will announce the winners of their first sports traffic tournament, the Golden Boomerang League, which ran from September 1st to October 31st. All affiliate teams, including current and new partners of the company, who managed to generate 20+ FTDs on the brands from its client portfolio, have qualified for the prize draw. The prize for first place is direct access to the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026. Participants who place second and third will receive an AC Milan Experience package, which includes paid flights, accommodation, and attendance at an AC Milan home match at the famous San Siro Stadium in Milan.
Come to the Boomerang Partners booth, complete simple tasks, get chips, and participate in the gift auction. Extra pleasant surprises are possible. Read the full terms and conditions on the Boomerang Partners website.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
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