The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance and advice to improve health and social care in the UK. They work to support healthcare providers to deliver the best possible care for patients, based on thorough evaluations of technologies, clinical effectiveness and value for money. 

For the first time, the institute has published its guidance on identifying, assessing and managing gambling-related harms. This refers to the negative impacts of gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, their families and wider communities. In the guidance, published on 28th January 2025, NICE recommends that healthcare providers should look for these harms by asking questions, in the same way they look out for problem alcohol consumption and smoking addiction. 

NICE suggests that groups who are at higher risk of gambling-related harm are those experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety or addictions. People with PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders or a family history of gambling could also be more at risk, so it’s advised that these groups, in particular, are assessed to identify potential harm as early as possible. 

The new guidance comes following The Gambling Survey for Great Britain’s 2023 findings which found that 2.5% of people 18 and over participate in ‘problem gambling.’ 12% of the population participate in gambling with an elevated risk of harm. Since 2019, NHS England has expanded treatments for gambling addiction, opening 15 gambling clinics which are expected to see around 3,000 people per year.

The publication of these new guidelines aims to ensure that healthcare professionals take action to ensure that stigma, shame and fear of disclosure don’t prevent people from seeking support. It’s hoped that by asking people questions in an environment that they feel comfortable in, or talking with someone they trust, will encourage more people to open up. 

If you’re worried about your own gambling habits or someone you know, you can assess your level of risk of gambling-related harm using a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) questionnaire available on the NHS website. A score of 8 or above indicates that support should be sought from a professional. 

Whilst support is available through the NHS, some people may opt for private counselling or therapy. You can learn more about counselling for gambling addiction and find a counsellor on Counselling Directory. If you feel that talking therapy isn’t quite right for you, that’s OK. Hypnotherapy for gambling addiction can also be an effective way to change your thoughts and behaviours around gambling.