UK Armed Forces veterans are eight times more likely to have gambling problems compared with non-veterans.
Gambling is a serious public health issue; up to 1.5 million adults in Great Britain are experiencing problems gambling and those negatively affected by someone else’s gambling are estimated to represent at least 3.6 million people in England, Scotland and Wales. Gambling can cause negative effects on people’s health and wellbeing. These include financial difficulties, breakdown of relationships, mental and physical health problems, and sadly in some cases, suicide. Harms are often experienced not just by those who gamble, but by friends, family and wider society.
There is a significant unmet need with respect to engaging people experiencing gambling harms, particularly veterans. GPs have a key role in early identification, assessment and treatment of people suffering from gambling harms.
Please contact the practice if you would like some help, or you can visit Gambling Harms Hub: Resources for patients | RCGP Learning