Charity reports significant increase in calls from problem gamblers since Covid-19 lockdown began

A CHARITY which helps problem gamblers has reported a massive increase in the number of people getting into difficulties since the Covid-19 lockdown began, writes Martin Shipton.

The Gordon Moody Association, which assists people with gambling addictions through residential treatment and support, has seen the number of people contacting their service increase eight-fold during the lockdown period so far.

According to the charity, female callers represent the most significant growth area, more callers are increasingly suicidal in outlook and there are fears that the return of sporting fixtures will bring added pressures and risk.

Matthew Hickey, the chief executive of the Gordon Moody Association, said of the increase in cases: “We are very concerned at such a rapid and growing spike in people referring themselves to us for support in the past two months. Unfortunately, it’s perhaps a predictable impact of the lockdown where people either try to find means of escape or are desperate for a financial ‘windfall’ to face into the current economic uncertainties. The truth is that Covid-19 has created the perfect storm of boredom, financial constraint and isolation that has significantly increased the number of people experiencing serious issues related to gambling.

“Our organisation has a lot of expertise in tackling the problems people face in this area, but even in better times we face real challenges in the numbers we are dealing with. Those numbers are now rocketing upwards and we are seeing new trends of more females asking for support and more callers are at a higher risk of suicide.”

The charity has also seen trends of people staying online for longer, with online poker being a growing area and the intensive pressures of lockdown considerably changing the profile of people contacting them for advice and support.

Mr Hickey added: “Lockdown has led to people feeling incredibly isolated and facing intense pressures which they want to escape from and regrettably addictive online gambling has become a growing problem and challenge as we are seeing. Unfortunately, for the majority of society a hidden addiction remains

hidden until it’s too late in some cases.

“We are glad that people are reaching out to us and we want them to know we are and will be there for them. We are approaching our 50th anniversary year in 2021, and while we have built up considerable skills and expertise in that time, nothing has prepared us for the scale of the challenge we are now facing.

“Although we are aware that there are a lot of calls on government and local authorities for financial and other support at present, we feel a responsibility to highlight the need for extra awareness and support for people who are dealing with the current crisis and its isolation and economic impacts through problem gambling.”

Joel Jackson, 31, of Newport, who conquered his gambling addiction with the help of the Gordon Moody Association, said: “It is understandable that more people will be drawn to online gambling during the lockdown. In many cases they have time on their hands as a result of being furloughed and they will be trying to win money to offset pay cuts.

“It took me 14 weeks of residential rehabilitation in a closed environment to start to deal with my addiction.

“Current gambling legislation and regulation is outdated and hasn’t come to terms with the digital age. It is very easy for people to get gambling accounts with no limit on what they can spend and to circumvent measures aimed at stopping them from gambling online or in betting shops.

“Gambling addiction needs to be recognised as a public health problem and much more help should be made available.”