New research has revealed that gambling harm can lead to a significant reduction in an individual’s quality of life, akin to the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. Conducted by academics at the University of Plymouth and the University of Bristol, the study found a 16% decrease in a person’s capability wellbeing and a 14% reduction in their health utility due to gambling-related harm.
The findings highlight that the impact of gambling is comparable to the highest levels of harm caused by cocaine and alcohol use, as well as health conditions like depression and opiate dependence. This revelation underscores the need for gambling to be recognized as a public health issue, demanding attention equal to other health priorities.
Second-Hand Harms and Population Impact
Beyond the individual, gambling harms extend to spouses, children, parents, and close friends, who experience substantial “second-hand” harms. The study found that these impacts on health and wellbeing are nearly as severe as those experienced by the gamblers themselves. While severe cases of gambling harm, such as major relationship breakdowns or financial crises, are the most individually affected, the largest share of population harm stems from low and moderate-severity gambling harms. These include issues like low mood and day-to-day financial problems, which are more common among the general population.
The research, funded by the Gambling Commission’s Regulatory Settlement Fund, represents the first comprehensive effort to measure and understand the full extent of gambling-related harms in Great Britain through a public health lens.
New Tools for Measuring Gambling Harm
The study introduced the Gambling Harms Severity Index (GHSI-10) and a companion tool for affected others (GHSI-AO-10). These tools were validated through an assessment involving over 4,500 UK residents and developed with input from people who gamble, their families, and service providers. They consider factors such as financial impacts, mental and physical wellbeing, relationships, work, and social life, aligning with protocols from the NHS and World Health Organisation.
Dr. James Close, Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth, emphasized the importance of these tools, stating,
“Our findings, and the measures we have designed to reach them, represent a paradigm shift in how we understand and measure gambling harms. By directly capturing actual harm rather than risk, and by including the voices of affected others and those with first-hand experience, they provide a foundation for evidence-based policy and practice that is fully aligned with public health principles.”
Implications for Public Health Policy
Dr. Ryan Statton, Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, highlighted the striking nature of the health utility findings, noting that severe gambling harms lead to a decrease in quality of life comparable to chronic health conditions.
“This establishes gambling harm as deserving recognition based on measured impact, and provides robust evidence for proportionate public health responses,”
he explained.
The research suggests that current tools used to identify “problem gambling” underestimate the full extent of harm, affecting both individuals and those close to them. The study advocates for gambling to be included in mainstream prevention, commissioning, and policy decision-making strategies, placing it on an equal footing with other public health priorities.
As gambling continues to be recognized as a significant public health issue, the study’s findings could pave the way for more comprehensive and effective policy responses, ensuring that both individuals and their families receive the support they need.
