GamCare reports rise in Money Guidance Service referrals

GamCare, the leading UK charity providing support for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, has released fresh data showing a sharp rise in referrals to its Money Guidance Service. The organisation, which operates the National Gambling Helpline, confirmed that in 2025 alone, more than 1,100 people have already sought assistance for gambling-related financial difficulties. This figure has exceeded the entirety of 2024, raising concerns about the growing risks posed by gambling losses during a period of economic strain.

The charity’s findings highlight a troubling financial picture: those referred this year have reported a combined debt of more than £5 million. According to GamCare, this represents nearly double the figure recorded in 2024. The numbers underscore the rising demand for support and the challenges faced by individuals who turn to gambling in an attempt to manage their finances.

A year of record demand for gambling debt advice

GamCare’s report shows that from January to August 2025, 1,151 people have already been referred to its Money Guidance Service. In comparison, 923 people were referred throughout the entire year of 2024. The data indicates a steep increase, with the summer months marking a particularly notable rise.

In June, July, and August, referrals doubled year-on-year, with August alone setting a new monthly record of 198 referrals. This surge signals both a growing awareness of the service and a concerning trend in gambling-related financial pressures.

The scale of individual debt

Across the individuals referred this year, average debts are estimated at £4,682 per person. These debts reflect a wide range of financial difficulties, from unpaid household bills to significant borrowing linked to gambling activities. GamCare noted particular concern about cases where individuals used business funds to cover gambling debts, with some instances involving losses in the millions.

The charity has also highlighted the link between the cost of living crisis and gambling activity. For some, the economic pressures of rising household expenses have led to riskier behaviours, with gambling being viewed as a potential means of making ends meet.

Expert concerns about riskier financial behaviours

Kathy Wade, Manager of GamCare’s Money Guidance Service, expressed concern about the mindset that drives many individuals towards harmful gambling patterns. She said:
“We often hear from people who struggle with gambling that it doesn’t feel like real money they are betting with. A lot of the people we see are young men who are looking for big financial wins either through gambling or even cryptocurrency investing, but it can lead to riskier behaviours around these activities.”

This observation reflects a wider issue where the perception of gambling as a quick-fix financial solution can cause long-term damage. Wade further noted the danger of relying on gambling for basic household costs, warning that this creates an especially precarious financial position.

“It is especially difficult for people who look to gambling to make extra money for their daily household costs, which continue to feel squeezed by rising pressures. We know that many people gamble safely, but we would not encourage anyone to gamble with the goal of making extra money to cover their essential bills.”

Support available through the National Gambling Helpline

GamCare has reiterated its commitment to providing confidential and non-judgmental support to anyone affected by gambling. Its National Gambling Helpline, accessible on 0808 8020 133, offers free advice, guidance, and signposting to specialised services.

“Our team are here for anyone who may be unsure of the financial impact that gambling may be having on them, whether their own gambling or someone else’s. Contact GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline now on 0808 8020 133 for more information on how you can get started, and we can help you get back on track.”

This message underscores GamCare’s role in supporting not only those directly engaged in gambling but also family members, friends, and colleagues who may be impacted.

Leadership and strategic direction

In February 2025, GamCare appointed Victoria Corbishley as its new Chief Executive Officer. The leadership change has come at a time when demand for support services is rising, and the organisation is working to expand its resources and outreach programmes. Under Corbishley’s leadership, GamCare is expected to place greater emphasis on preventative measures, education, and partnerships with financial institutions to address the underlying drivers of gambling-related debt.

Broader social and economic context

The rise in gambling-related debt referrals cannot be viewed in isolation. The UK has been experiencing continued economic pressures, with the cost of living crisis placing additional strain on households. Inflation, rising energy costs, and wage stagnation have left many individuals searching for alternative ways to supplement their income.

For some, gambling has been wrongly perceived as a viable option to ease these financial burdens. However, experts warn that this behaviour often worsens financial instability, creating a cycle of losses, borrowing, and further gambling.

GamCare’s data reflects these wider economic realities. The organisation’s findings highlight that financial stress, combined with increased access to online gambling platforms, has contributed to the rise in individuals seeking help.

The importance of financial education and guidance

GamCare’s Money Guidance Service plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand the financial consequences of gambling. By providing tailored advice on budgeting, debt management, and financial planning, the service aims to give people the tools to rebuild their financial stability.

The rise in referrals also suggests that awareness of the service is growing. While the increase in demand points to serious social challenges, it also demonstrates that more individuals are willing to seek help rather than struggle in silence.

Looking ahead: Addressing the gambling harms landscape

The latest data from GamCare raises urgent questions about how society addresses gambling harms. Calls have grown for tighter regulation of gambling advertising, particularly online, and for stronger protections for vulnerable groups.

GamCare’s insights provide valuable evidence for policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions as they consider the measures needed to reduce harm. At the same time, the organisation continues to advocate for accessible, well-funded support services to ensure that anyone affected by gambling can find the help they need.

Conclusion

The data released by GamCare in 2025 presents a clear warning about the increasing financial harms linked to gambling. With referrals to the Money Guidance Service already exceeding the total for the previous year, and debts surpassing £5 million, the figures highlight the growing pressures faced by individuals during a period of economic uncertainty. The surge in requests for support reflects both the severity of gambling-related financial difficulties and a positive sign that more people are seeking professional guidance rather than struggling alone.

GamCare’s role in offering confidential advice and practical solutions remains critical in helping people regain stability and resilience. The charity’s warnings about the risks of using gambling as a means to cover household costs underscore the importance of prevention, education, and accessible support services. As the UK continues to face ongoing social and economic challenges, the work of organisations like GamCare will be essential in reducing gambling harms and ensuring that individuals and families affected by debt have a path toward recovery.

Would you like me to also add a policy-focused recommendation section after the conclusion—summarising what regulators, financial institutions, and the gambling industry could do in response to GamCare’s findings?

FAQs

What is the GamCare Money Guidance Service?
The GamCare Money Guidance Service offers free, confidential advice to people experiencing gambling-related financial difficulties.

How many referrals has GamCare reported in 2025?
By August 2025, GamCare reported 1,151 referrals, already surpassing the total for all of 2024.

What is the average gambling debt reported?
The average debt among those referred this year is approximately £4,682 per person.

Why is GamCare concerned about business funds being used?
GamCare has seen cases where individuals use business funds to cover gambling debts, in some cases involving significant sums.

How has the cost of living crisis influenced gambling behaviour?
Economic pressures have led some individuals to gamble in hopes of supplementing household income, which can create riskier financial behaviours.

What advice does GamCare give about gambling for income?
GamCare warns against gambling to make money for essential bills, noting it often worsens financial difficulties.

Who can contact the National Gambling Helpline?
Anyone affected by gambling, whether personally or through someone close to them, can contact the Helpline for support.

What services does GamCare provide beyond financial advice?
GamCare offers emotional support, treatment referrals, and resources to help individuals manage gambling-related harm.

Who is the new CEO of GamCare?
Victoria Corbishley was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of GamCare in February 2025.

Why are referrals increasing so rapidly in 2025?
The increase reflects both heightened financial pressures and greater awareness of the support services available.