The Gambling Commission has reiterated its commitment to reduce gambling harms, after an analysis of existing data indicating the link between problem gambling and suicide was published.
The reports are part of the Commission’s research programme for the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms and were commissioned by GambleAware. The findings show a connection between problem gambling and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
The research, based on data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in 2007, found that five per cent of problem gamblers had attempted suicide in the previous year.
The research also found that five per cent of people who had attempted suicide in the previous year were problem gamblers, with a further five per cent classed as “at risk” gamblers.
This trend persisted after other factors such as mental health and substance abuse were taken into account. A total of 19 per cent of problem gamblers had also thought about suicide in the previous year.
Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “This research is based on data from 2007 but nonetheless the findings clearly show a connection between suicide and gambling, something that has a real and devastating impact on people’s lives. Whilst further research and more timely data collection is essential, we are taking further action now to protect people from the risk of gambling harm.
“As a result of this research, the Commission and Samaritans will work together to bolster the existing requirements on gambling businesses to identify those at risk and take action to address and reduce harm.
“However, progress cannot be made by us alone, we need to work together to implement the priorities outlined in the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, and the key recommendations of this research. This is vital to ensuring we have the best research, prevention and treatment services available for vulnerable individuals, their families, friends and communities.”
