Royal College of General Practitioners Gambling Harms APPROVED PRACTICE.
Gambling harms, or gambling-related harms, are the problems that people experience because of their own gambling or that of someone else. They can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society.
Examples:
- Anxiety and depression, either arising due to gambling or the worsening of pre-existing mental health issues.
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts.
- Drug use.
- Physical ill health – insomnia, poor appetite.
- Relationship breakdown including separation, divorce and domestic violence.
- Damage to family members’ health and well-being – “affected others”.
- Lost productivity and workplace costs difficulty maintaining a job, missing days from work or school.
- Unemployment and consequent loss of earnings leading to debt and possible bankruptcy.
- Repossession of a home or eviction from a rental property, which may lead to homelessness.
- Crime – committing fraud, theft or embezzlement to fund gambling.
- Financial – overdue bills and loan defaults, large debts, bankruptcy and a poor credit history.