The Local picture 

• 92,600 Camden residents aged 18+ are estimated to have gambled in the past four weeks.
• 5,200 are at risk of gambling-related harm.
• 600 are already experiencing harm from gambling.
• 13,000 Camden residents are negatively affected by someone else’s gambling.
  (Sources: Health Survey for England 2021, YouGov Gambling Treatment and Support 2020)

Read the February 2025 tackling gambling-related harm in Camden presentation by Ian Sandford, Public Health Strategist, London Borough of Camden.

Understanding Gambling-Related Harm

Gambling-related harm can affect many aspects of life:

• Financial distress
• Relationship conflict or breakdown
• Mental and physical health issues
• Employment and education disruption
• Involvement in criminal activity

Those in the most deprived communities are at greater risk. Risk factors include mental health issues, unemployment, housing insecurity, and substance misuse.

Your Role as a Social Worker

As frontline professionals, social workers are key to:

• Identifying those at risk or already harmed by gambling
• Reducing stigma around gambling addiction
• Referring individuals to appropriate support services

Look out for signs such as: 

• Financial difficulty
• Secrecy
• Mood swings
• Relationship breakdowns
• Disclosures from residents about gambling behaviours.

Support Available: Betknowmore UK

Betknowmore UK is a national charity supporting individuals and communities affected by gambling harms. They offer specialist services including:

Women’s Service

• Who it's for: Women harmed by their own or others' gambling
• What it offers: 1:1 and group support, emotional wellbeing tools, peer-led recovery journey
• Delivered by: Women with lived experience

Peer Support Service

• Who it's for: Anyone recovering from gambling harms
• What it offers: Personalised support from trained Peer Supporters who are in long-term recovery, available at any recovery stage
• Integrated with: Clinical teams across the NGSN network

Gambling Outreach and Living Support

Who it's for: London residents harmed by gambling, as well as frontline organisations (e.g., housing, mental health)

What it offers: Early intervention, harm minimisation, safeguarding support, safe-space 1:1 or group sessions, practical help, and signposting

Make a Referral or Get Advice

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0800 041 8449
• Website: www.betknowmoreuk.org
• Download the Betknowmore leaflet for further information and QR code links for immediate access to services.

Let’s Tackle Gambling Harm Together

Social workers can play a vital role in identifying gambling-related harm early and connecting people with the right support. Camden’s residents deserve protection and empowerment in the face of this growing public health challenge.