GamCare sees Money Guidance Service referrals increase
August saw 198 referrals to the service, with over 1,000 throughout the year.
Key points:
– GamCare has released data relating to the number of referrals to its Money Guidance Service
– 1,151 people have signed up so far this year, with combined debts of over £5m
– This is more than the entirety of 2024
GamCare, the founder of the UK National Gambling Helpline, has released new data relating to an increase in gambling loss support in 2025.
According to the report, the number of people seeking guidance and aid following gambling losses is already higher in September 2025 than it was for the entirety of 2024, with over £5m ($6.7m) in debts reported since the start of the year – almost double that of last year.
Following the publication of its Money Guidance Service data, GamCare found that referrals to the service in 2025 so far came to 1,151, while in 2024 referrals totalled 923. Notably, June, July and August saw the most significant increases in registrations, doubling year-on-year, with August setting a record of 198 referrals.
Across the referred individuals, the average gaming debt totals £4,682 each.
With these figures in mind, GamCare has raised particular concern over the use of business funds to pay off debts, with some instances seeing millions taking from business funds. It the wake of the cost of living crisis, GamCare also expressed concerns for those gambling in order to make ends meet.
On the results, Money Guidance Service Manager Kathy Wade 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.
Good to know: In February, GamCare named Victoria Corbishley as its new CEO
“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.
“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.”
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