Gambling is common in the UK, and for many people it remains a leisure activity with no lasting harm. But for others, gambling can become something much harder to manage, affecting not just finances but emotional wellbeing, relationships, and day-to-day life.

If you feel as though you have lost control when it comes to gambling, or if you have noticed it affecting how you feel, you are not alone. Gambling and mental health are closely linked, whatever you’re experiencing, support is available.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling, sometimes called gambling disorder, refers to gambling behaviour that causes harm, whether or not someone gambles every day. Signs that gambling may have become a problem include:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
• Thinking about gambling a lot, or finding it difficult to stop
• Gambling to try to win back losses
• Hiding gambling from people close to you
• Feeling irritable or anxious when you are not gambling
• Continuing to gamble despite the negative impact on your finances, relationships, or wellbeing

If any of these feel familiar, it does not mean something is wrong with you. Gambling products are often designed to encourage continued play, and many people find it difficult to stop without support.

How Gambling Can Affect Your Mental Health

Problem gambling and mental health difficulties often go hand in hand. This does not mean one always causes the other, but they can reinforce each other, making both harder to manage.

People who experience problem gambling are more likely to also experience:

• Anxiety, including persistent worry about money, debts, or what others might think
• Depression, including low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness or shame
• Sleep problems, such as difficulty switching off or disrupted rest
• Stress related to financial pressure, secrecy, or relationship difficulties
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt or failure after gambling
• Suicidal thoughts in more serious cases

Gambling can also be used as a way of coping with difficult feelings, which can make the cycle harder to break. If you are gambling to manage stress, anxiety, loneliness, or other emotional difficulties, it may feel helpful in the short term while making things harder in the longer term.

The Link Between Gambling and Specific Mental Health Conditions

Gambling and Anxiety

Anxiety and gambling are closely linked. Some people gamble to escape anxious thoughts or find temporary relief from worry. At the same time, gambling can create new sources of anxiety, such as financial uncertainty, fear of being found out, or worry about the impact on people you care about.

Gambling and Depression

Depression can make gambling feel appealing as a distraction or a source of excitement when everything else feels flat. However, the losses, shame, and isolation that often come with problem gambling can deepen depressive symptoms over time. It can become a cycle that is difficult to see a way out of.

Gambling and Suicidal Thoughts

Research consistently shows that people experiencing problem gambling are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Financial pressure, shame, and isolation can contribute to feelings of hopelessness. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out for support. You can contact Samaritans any time on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.

Gambling and Relationships

Problem gambling rarely affects only the person gambling. Friends, partners, and family members often experience their own emotional and financial difficulties as a result. This can include:

• Feeling deceived or hurt by secrecy around gambling
• Worry or anxiety about finances
• Strain on trust and communication within relationships
• A sense of responsibility for the other person's gambling

If someone close to you is affected by gambling, Gam-Anon offers support for friends and family members.

Talking About Gambling and Mental Health

Many people feel a great deal of shame around problem gambling, which can make it difficult to ask for help. You may worry about what others will think or feel that you should be able to manage on your own.

Problem gambling is a recognised health condition, not a character flaw. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there are people who can help without judgement.

Talking to a GP can be a good first step. They can refer you to local NHS services or signpost you to specialist support. You do not need to have had or be experiencing a crisis to seek help.

Getting Support

There are a number of organisations across the UK that offer specialist support for gambling and mental health:

Mental Health Matters

We offer a range of mental health services across England. If you are struggling with your mental health alongside gambling difficulties, we may be able to help. Visit our services page for a full list of services.

GamCare

The UK's leading provider of free support, information, and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling. Visit the GamCare website for more information or contact their national gambling helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24 hours, free).

Gamblers Anonymous UK

A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from problem gambling. Visit the gamblers anonymous website for more information.

BeGambleAware

Provides information, advice, and a directory of support services across Great Britain. Visit the BeGambleAware website for more information.

GAMSTOP

A free service that lets you restrict your online gambling activity across UK-licensed gambling websites and apps. Visit the GAMSTOP website for more information.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.