GamCare Warns of Growing Gambling-Related Financial Issues in the UK

(AsiaGameHub) –   UK-based charity GamCare has disclosed that almost 2,000 individuals in the UK sought financial advice for gambling-related monetary problems in 2025.

Figures published on Wednesday indicated that 1,954 UK residents used GamCare’s Money Guidance Service in 2025 following gambling losses—over twice the prior year’s count of 923.

At the same time, the total debt reported via the Money Guidance Service hit £7.2 million (equivalent to $9.6 million). This marked an almost threefold rise from the year before, translating to an average of £21,269 per individual.

January 2026 alone saw a record 233 referrals to the Money Guidance Service—nearly three times the number for January 2025.

Kathy Wade, manager of the Money Guidance Service, expressed worry about UK residents turning to gambling to cope with increasing living expenses.

“We’re worried that people are telling us they’re turning to gambling to help pay for essential bills because households are feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis—yet they end up in a more dire financial state as a consequence,” Wade stated.

“We understand that many people gamble responsibly and do so to win cash, but we don’t advise anyone to gamble with the aim of earning extra money to cover necessary expenses.”

The connection between debt and gambling-related harm

GamCare also drew attention to data from UK debt service PayPlan, which showed that 21,000 people got in touch with the organisation in January this year—a 22% increase compared to the same month last year.

GamCare and PayPlan noted the perspective of experts who have seen a growing connection between debt and gambling harm.

In 2025, 243 individuals were directly referred from GamCare’s treatment services to PayPlan—34% more than the 181 referrals in 2024.

Emma Gibbons, PayPlan’s Vulnerability Lead, described how the company has noticed an upward trend in gambling-related harm tied to debt.

“The increase in referrals from GamCare mirrors the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to go after incurring losses,” Gibbons remarked.

“We know that early, empathetic debt advice can have a significant impact—helping people stabilise their finances, understand their choices, and start to take back control. We’re proud to partner with GamCare to make sure anyone who needs it gets non-judgmental assistance.”