International Gambling Harms Awareness Day launches in UK

March 26, 2025 marked the first-ever “International Gambling Harms Awareness Day.” This worldwide event, led by the UK’s leading gambling addiction treatment organization, Gordon Moody, is meant to promote education and advocacy for those struggling with gambling addiction. The UK’s gambling market is much more mature than that of the United States. with decades of experience and learnings, and can therefore be used as an example of how to protect vulnerable populations from the potential dangers of gambling. 

What is International Gambling Harms Awareness Day? What does it entail? What are its goals?

International Gambling Harms Awareness Day is an initiative that was created as a global movement to help raise awareness about the risks of gambling addiction and the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities as a whole. The theme for the 2025 campaign was #BehindTheBet, which focused on the financial, emotional and social impact that gambling can have on an individual and the people around them. 

Another main goal of International Gambling Harms Awareness Day is to help reduce the stigma around gambling addiction and to support those who are struggling, while reminding them they are not alone and help is available. The 2025 initiative also encouraged individuals and organizations to download awareness materials from its website, engaging people in conversations regarding gambling addiction and help with fundraising efforts to help support gambling addiction research and treatment.

Who started International Gambling Harms Awareness Day?

International Gambling Harms Awareness Day was started by the Gordon Moody organization, created by Reverend Gordon Moody in 1971, which is the leading provider of gambling addiction treatment and resources in the UK. International Gambling Harms Awareness Day is part of a larger initiative by the charity as they increase their services, including a new treatment center for gambling addiction and a first-aid training program that helps identify and treat gambling-related harms. 

Gordon Moody aims to bring the unseen consequences of gambling addiction, beyond monetary losses, into the public eye. They highlight the idea that gambling is often a hidden addiction that many may suffer from in silence, which can make it harder to identify and get proper support. 

How prevalent is gambling addiction in the UK?

In 2024, The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) surveyed almost 10,000 people to gauge the severity of gambling addiction in the UK. The survey found that 2.5% of adults, roughly 1.3 million people, struggle with problem gambling. This number is almost 8 times higher than previously thought, based on telephonic survey based results. 

The UK is no stranger to the ramifications of gambling addiction, with sports gambling becoming legal in the 1960s. In 2005, regulations on sports betting became more lax to enable greater access to mobile sports betting, leading to an increase in younger populations struggling with gambling-related challenges. The gambling landscape in the UK is a more mature market than in the U.S. and can be used as an example of how to better regulate gambling and help educate individuals on the signs, risks and preventative measures for gambling addiction. 

Comparing UK gambling harms campaigns to those in the U.S.

Both the U.S. and UK are taking measures to educate individuals and engage communities in learning more about gambling addiction signs and preventative measures. In America, the most prominent efforts are held in March and September, with Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) and Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). Both of these initiatives help to spread education, awareness and treatment options to the greater population, but have also recognized that these efforts need to continue throughout the year with the same level of focus and attention. 

In the UK, International Gambling Harms Awareness Day is a newer initiative that Gordon Moody created to engage communities and other organizations through education on gambling addiction and the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding this mental health condition. The UK may have more accessible resources for gambling addiction treatment but must continue to educate the country throughout the year on the importance of recognizing the dangers of gambling addiction and the impact it can have on society as a whole. 

Problem Gambling warning signs

It can be difficult to identify if an individual is struggling with gambling addiction, but there are certain behaviors that may indicate a problem. If gambling habits are negatively impacting someone's daily life they may be at risk of gambling addiction.

Signs of gambling addiction can include:

• Preoccupation with gambling: Constantly thinking and/or talking about your betting may be a sign that it has turned into compulsive behavior that needs to be addressed. 

• Inability to stop or cut back: Failed attempts to stop or reduce your gambling. You may also experience restlessness or irritability when trying to cut back or stop fully. 

• Wagering more: Betting more frequently or increasing the amount risked.

• Chasing losses: Risking more to try to win back what was lost is known as “chasing” losses. This is a concerning behavior commonly seen by Birches Health counselors in individuals struggling with gambling disorder.

• Neglecting other responsibilities: An individual dealing with a gambling problem may neglect important responsibilities, including work, school, family or social obligations.

• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences: Gambling can impact many aspects of life outside of one’s finances, including those mentioned above. If someone is continuing to gamble despite realizing the impacts it is having on other parts of daily life, it is an indicator that a real problem has developed.  

• Hiding or lying about gambling: Some feel a need to lie about or hide their betting behaviors from others, at times due to shame, guilt or embarrassment.

• Borrowing money: Trying to borrow money from others, often to pay gambling debts or fund future bets.

• Financial or legal troubles as a result of one’s gambling

• Using betting as an escape: Using gambling as a distraction from problems or to temporarily relieve negative feelings including stress, helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.

Comparing Gambling Addiction treatment options in the United Kingdom and United States

Treatment options for gambling addiction may vary depending on what country an individual lives in. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system that allows citizens to access medical care, free of cost. When it comes to gambling addiction, there are a variety of services available through the NHS for those who need help. Services include:

• NHS treatment clinics (Gordon Moody being the most well-known)

• Charities and support services

• National hotline

• Self Help Groups (GamLearn, Gamblers Anonymous)

In the U.S., treatment options for gambling addiction are readily available but depending upon the level of care, may be less cost efficient and convenient for some. Treatment options in the U.S. include:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities

• Teletherapy counseling

• Support groups

Birches Health offers specialized virtual therapy for gambling addiction from the comfort of one's own home. Birches also works with major insurance companies to help make gambling addiction treatment more affordable for those who need it. 

Here are some options for getting started with Birches:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com