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GamCare, the leading national provider of gambling support, has launched a new collaborative initiative to tackle financial harms caused by problem gambling. PayPlan will be working hard to play a key part in this initiative and help those struggling financially.

This new collaboration includes a group of organisations that address gambling related financial harm, such as representatives from banking, debt advice, gambling treatment and the gambling industry.

People who gamble too much can experience a range of financial impacts, including debt. These in turn can lead to adverse impacts on relationships and mental well-being. Two-thirds of callers to the National Gambling Helpline disclose being in debt, so it’s important these people are offered the right support.

Initiatives and resources

The collaboration will launch various initiatives and resources. These include:

  • Undertake steps to address issues of financial capability among customers
  • Offer tools to identify and support individuals experiencing financial harm
  • Provide guidelines for how much is an ‘affordable’ amount to spend on gambling

GamCare’s objective is to maximise work undertaken to tackle gambling related financial harm across all sectors. This will ensure that consumers receive consistent, timely and accurate advice and support from organisations across these fields.

The project will create a range of resources focused on the needs of individuals experiencing gambling related financial harm. This includes best practice guidance for organisations in these sectors, training packages and consistent and up to date messaging.

A few words from PayPlan

Rachel Duffey, CEO of PayPlan, commented: “PayPlan is happy to be a part of this collective network, in the push to tackle gambling-related financial harms. The number of people who voluntarily disclosed a gambling addiction to us rose by over 280% between 2015 and 2018, so it’s vital that we have appropriate and accessible support in place for them.”

If you need help with addiction, please visit our dedicated page which offers advice on gambling, drugs, alcohol and spending.