Gambling addiction is a common and serious mental health problem in the UK and New Zealand. There is currently no single definition of what constitutes addictive gambling behavior. However, in the UK and New Zealand, there is a clear distinction between gamblers who have a single problem such as loss of control or money and those who have a problem with gambling. It is important to understand all the risks when you see skrill online casino review and decide to gamble online. Of course, there are many treatments and solutions to help you fix any problem. But still, we want you to be aware because sharing is caring.

What’s the Problem?

In the UK, there are four different classes of gambling addicts based on the strength of the problem. At-risk gamblers develop a problem with gambling when they find it difficult to stop at the end of a session. In a full-blown addictive disorder, the gambler finds it almost impossible to stop and has difficulty leading a full life. People in the third category, moderate problem gamblers, have a gambling problem but can stop or cut back at the end of a session. The fourth category, at-risk gamblers, are those who gamble less than the recommended minimum but can still have a significant problem with the frequency of gambling, loss of control, and/or spending money.

As in the UK, people in the New Zealand at-risk category have a gambling problem which can often lead to loss of control. This may be caused by spending more money on gambling than the gambler can afford or by spending money on other addictions; as a result, they are often under stress. However, the problem tends to be of a lower intensity than in the UK, and there is generally greater awareness of the problem in New Zealand.

Who’s Affected?

There are around 1.5 million people in the UK who are at risk of developing a gambling addiction, and around 400,000 of them are at risk of becoming problem gamblers. In New Zealand, these numbers are way lower but still are quite alerting. Approximately 100,000 people who are at risk of developing an addiction are estimated to be living in the country, and over 80,000 of them are already problem gamblers. 

Taking into account the scale of the problem, both countries are investing a lot of money and effort in the development of specialized programs aimed at treating gambling addicts and problem gamblers. The very same refers to Canada, which invests millions in special centers to help gamblers overcome the problem. What is more, to avoid gambling-related problems, Canadians can also play their favorite games at trusted casinos from CasinoLuck ratings; all of them are super-attentive to their customers and do their best to prevent gambling addiction.

What Does Research Data Say?

In both the UK and New Zealand, there is little research into the exact impact of gambling addictions on families, social life, and employment, or on gambling-related health issues. However, there is strong evidence from both countries that problem gamblers are more likely to be unemployed and to be living on welfare benefits than those who gamble less. The reasons for this are not fully known but may include the gambler being involved in multiple relationships and having higher levels of debt. At the same time, balanced gambling can bring a lot of benefits, and there are many studies proving the surprising mental health benefits of online gambling. So just like anything in life, online gambling is good when balanced.

What Are the Impacts of Gambling Addiction?

In both countries, gambling can cause many physical and psychological impacts on the people who develop it. These include:

• Physical health problems, such as stress and injury, which can often result in physical injuries, broken bones, and heart attacks;
• Emotional health problems, including feelings of hopelessness and loneliness;
• Relationship problems, which can have severe impacts on people’s lives and may lead to abuse or even divorce;
• Financial problems, such as loss of savings and debts, which can have severe impacts on life;
• Distress to friends, family, and significant others;
• Addictive behaviors, such as eating, drinking, and smoking disorders.

What Is the Treatment?

The UK and New Zealand face a common problem in that there is very little effective treatment for problem gambling. The UK government has put forward proposals for gambling addiction treatment in a consultation published in July 2015. The government argues that the lack of treatment has led to the development of the problem. The proposals include developing a new tier of treatment for problem gamblers, which would be offered as an alternative to inpatient hospital treatment.

The UK’s National Health Service will also fund a “preventative program” to be offered to at-risk gamblers. The proposal will also ensure that gambling addiction is covered in health assessments for conditions like mental health problems. There is also a need for better treatment for those who have developed an addiction. The government is proposing that those who have been sectioned in mental health services and are deemed to be having a problem with gambling will be referred for treatment. The government is also proposing that the NHS will pay for treatment for problem gamblers and will encourage other providers, including independent organizations and charities, to develop treatment.

The New Zealand government has also proposed similar measures. In December 2014, the New Zealand Gambling Commission said it had commissioned the development of a gambling treatment service that will be available for gamblers who are already in mental health services. The service was rolled out in 2016 and is due to be available in six cities, with more to follow.

There are no official figures for the number of people treated for gambling addictions in either the UK or New Zealand. In both countries, access to treatment is still limited. However, there are some organizations that provide similar treatment and support.