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Bettors Avoid Seeking Help for Gambling Problems Until Serious Debt
17 Nov
Summary
- Nearly half of UK bettors would only discuss gambling problems if in debt
- Over a third would rather lose money than ask for advice
- Therapists and mental health experts least likely sources of support
As Safer Gambling Week 2025 kicks off across the UK, a new survey has revealed alarming trends around bettors' willingness to address gambling problems. The research, conducted by AskGamblers, found that nearly half (47%) of UK sports bettors would only discuss a betting problem if they had fallen into debt.
Another 30% said they would need to experience a major financial loss before admitting they were struggling. Worryingly, over a third (34%) would rather continue losing money on bets than ask a friend or professional for advice. This reluctance to seek help appears to be driven by stigma, with almost half of Brits (49%) admitting to downplaying their betting habits to protect their reputation.
When it comes to getting support, most bettors still avoid speaking to therapists or mental health experts. Less than one in five say they would feel comfortable talking to a therapist about their gambling, and only 12% would confide in a GP or other professional. Instead, people are far more likely to turn to a friend, with 37% saying they would confide in someone they know.
