NHS Warns of Soaring Gambling Addiction Cases Amid Festive Advertising Surge
To combat this growing crisis, the NHS has expanded its network of problem gambling clinics across England, doubling their number to 15
NHS England has raised alarms over a sharp rise in patient care demands for gambling addiction treatment, largely driven by the surge in gambling advertisements during the festive season.
Highlighting the growing concern, Dr. Matt Gaskell, Head of the NHS Northern Gambling Service, and Claire Murdoch, National Director for NHS Mental Health Services, both expressed apprehension about the system’s ability to meet this increasing demand.
Referrals for gambling addiction treatment have seen a staggering rise, with Dr. Gaskell noting that cases “have risen by 130%, with almost 2,000 people referred between April and September 2023, compared to just over 800 during the same period in 2022.”
To combat this growing crisis, the NHS has expanded its network of problem gambling clinics across England, doubling their number to 15. These clinics provide comprehensive care through trained psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and peer support teams. Clinics are strategically located in cities including Sheffield, London, Bristol, Manchester, and Stoke-on-Trent, with a dedicated national service for children and young people in London.
The increase in services comes in response to an alarming trend: referrals to NHS gambling clinics more than doubled year-on-year, with 1,914 cases in Q1 and Q2 of 2024/25 compared to 836 in the same period of the previous year.
Dr. Matt Gaskell: Festive Ads Create a “Perfect Storm” for Addiction
Dr. Gaskell described the festive season as a “perfect storm of temptation” for individuals at risk of gambling addiction. With Premier League fixtures, winter horse racing, and festive bonuses heavily promoted during this period, the risk of relapse intensifies.
“Operators entice people with ‘gifts and bonuses’ while bombarding them with adverts for festive fixtures and offers like free Christmas bets. These promotions make gambling look appealing but often lead to high-frequency betting,” said Dr. Gaskell. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how the festive period can exacerbate gambling harms.”
Looking ahead, the NHS will assume responsibility as the chief commissioner of the statutory levy on research, education, and treatment (RET) for gambling harms. This initiative will strengthen treatment access for problem gamblers and support their families and carers. A key priority will be the development of a centralised structure aimed at addressing the needs of the estimated 138,000 problem gamblers and 1.3 million individuals engaging in moderate or low-risk gambling.
Claire Murdoch: Industry Must Shoulder Responsibility
Claire Murdoch reinforced the NHS's commitment to tackling gambling addiction, stating: “Addiction is a cruel disease that can take over and ruin lives. The NHS has nearly doubled the number of specialist clinics in just one year. If you or someone you know is struggling, please come forward.”
However, Murdoch was firm in her criticism of gambling operators, urging them to reconsider their practices. “The NHS cannot be left alone to handle the fallout from companies engaging in activities that fuel addiction. These firms must think carefully about the human cost behind their profits.”
Government Scrutiny of Gambling Advertising
Under the new Labour government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is reviewing gambling advertising policies to address their disproportionate impact on young and vulnerable audiences. Although the Gambling Review White Paper claims no direct causative link between advertising and harm, DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock emphasized the need for further evidence to inform future reforms.
While the government supports the existing framework led by the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP and BCAP), it has acknowledged the necessity of revisiting policies to mitigate gambling-related harm, particularly among those under 24.
As the NHS and government continue to respond to this crisis, there is growing pressure on gambling firms to act responsibly and limit practices that exacerbate addiction, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are better protected during high-risk periods like the festive season.
