Harmful gambling can lead to a range of mental and physical
harms, including stress, anxiety and depression.
Gambling can become an addiction, just like drugs or alcohol, if
you use it compulsively or feel out of control. Gambling can
affect the part of our brain that releases dopamine
[1].
Gambling can also negatively impact people’s relationships and
finances, which can contribute to poor mental health
[2].
GambleAware data shows that 26 per cent of people accessing
treatment for harmful gambling in 2021/22 had experienced
relationship loss due to their gambling, while 11 per cent had
lost a job [3].
What impact does this have on those who experience gambling harm?
What impact can this have on their friends and family?
For the second of two meetings on the health impacts of gambling
in London, the London Assembly Health
Committee will meet tomorrow to discuss
this with individuals who have experienced gambling harms, either
directly or through a close family member.
Guests will include:
-
Tony Kelly, Former professional footballer,
and founder of organisation Red Card
-
Tom Fleming, Communications Manager, Gambling
with Lives
-
Colin Walsh, Lived Experience Manager, GamCare
The meeting will take place on Thursday 1
February from 10am in the
Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Notes for editors:
- Mental Health Foundation, Gambling and mental
health
- GamCare, How gambling affects
your life
- GambleAware, Annual statistics from
the National Gambling Treatment Service 2021/22, November
2022
-
Full agenda papers.
