New Guidelines Spark Controversy in UK Gambling Harm Reduction Sector

GPs are now recommended to ask about gambling habits when discussing other things like alcohol consumption with patients. As another change, the NHS may prescribe Naltrexone, a drug that has been effective for alcohol or opioid addiction, if psychological therapy has failed.

GamCare recently decided to discontinue the Safer Gambling Standard and Frank McCready, former head of safer gambling from the organisation explained:

“GamCare’s primary focus is treatment. The Safer Gambling function was only a small part of the charity, and there were worries it could pose a potential risk to the commissioning of treatment services with the NHS. “I have to say GamCare’s board of trustees gave the function the best chance of finding a new home but the uncertainty in the sector, unfortunately ultimately led to the close down of the function in December 2024.”

There is also a worry that the industry does not know exactly how to deal with new guidance.

“There’s a sheer lack of certainty,” McCready highlighted. “People are very nervous and don’t know which direction they should be taking,” he added.

There will be a mandatory levy that can potentially raise £100m a year but there is very little in the way of clarity regarding how these are used. McCready was quick to highlight the fact that the levy could drive division within the industry and that companies don’t necessarily have a lot of direction.

“We need transparency, collaboration, and a realistic approach to tackling gambling harm,” McCready asserted.
“Instead, we’re seeing division, exclusion, and a reluctance to tap into expertise that has been built over years.”