LONDON — General practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare professionals in England are being encouraged to identify problem gambling in patients as part of routine health assessments, according to new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The recommendations suggest that gambling-related harms should be considered alongside other addiction-related health concerns, such as alcohol and smoking.
This marks the first time NICE has issued specific guidance on gambling, underscoring its recognition as a public health issue.
The advisory body is urging medical professionals to proactively assess patients for signs of gambling addiction and its associated consequences, which can include financial difficulties, mental health struggles, and the impact on families and local communities.
A Growing Public Health Concern
A 2023 survey of 20,000 adults in the UK found that 2.5% of respondents had a gambling problem, with young men identified as the most at-risk demographic.
Experts warn that problem gambling often goes unnoticed in healthcare settings, as patients may not voluntarily disclose their struggles unless directly asked. NICE’s new guidelines call for an integrated approach to identifying gambling addiction.
They advise GPs, nurses, and mental health professionals to incorporate gambling-related questions into routine health assessments, particularly when patients present with financial stress, anxiety, or depression—common indicators of a gambling disorder.
Medical and Social Consequences
Dr. Sarah Jones, a GP in Manchester, welcomed the move, noting that problem gambling has far-reaching consequences beyond financial loss.
“Many of my patients experiencing gambling issues suffer from severe stress, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts,” Dr. Jones said. “By addressing this problem in medical settings, we can intervene earlier and offer the necessary support before the situation escalates.”
The impact of gambling addiction is not limited to the individual gambler. Families, friends, and entire communities can be affected when a person falls into financial hardship or develops mental health issues linked to their gambling behavior.
Support Tools and NHS Resources
To aid in the identification and management of gambling-related harms, NICE recommends the use of screening tools such as the Problem Gambling Severity Index, which remains available on the NHS website. This tool allows both healthcare professionals and individuals to assess the severity of gambling-related issues.
Furthermore, the NHS currently offers specialized clinics for gambling addiction, including the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London and other regional centers designed to provide therapy and support for those struggling with compulsive gambling.
Push for Greater Awareness
Public health experts and charities advocating for responsible gambling have welcomed NICE’s recommendations, viewing them as a crucial step in addressing the UK’s growing gambling problem.
However, they stress that additional funding and resources will be needed to ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to recognize and treat gambling addiction effectively.
“Embedding gambling checks into routine healthcare will save lives,” said James Taylor, a spokesperson for GambleAware, a leading gambling addiction charity.
“We need more education and awareness for both medical professionals and the public to break the stigma surrounding gambling addiction.”
As gambling becomes more accessible through online platforms and mobile apps, health officials warn that cases of addiction may rise further.
NICE’s latest recommendations aim to ensure that gambling problems are identified early, allowing individuals to receive the necessary support before their condition worsens.
