One of the National Health Service (NHS) clinics has warned that British gamblers could face difficulties during the coronavirus crisis as self-isolation could push them to even more serious gambling addiction and debt.
The Leeds-based clinic has revealed that it expects an increase in problem gambling rates during the Covid-19 pandemic because of the massive lockdown and social isolation that has provided people with more time to spend, combined with job and financial uncertainty. The NHS clinic in Leeds has shared fears that British gamblers would turn to online gambling services following cancellation and postponement of all major sports leagues and events worldwide.
Matthew Gaskell, who is the head of the clinic, explained that, for the time being, a range of risk factors exists, including financial and job insecurity, social isolation, stress, boredom and, of course, the easy accessibility of online gambling services.
Mr Gaskell further shared that regardless of the fact that sports betting has practically impossible for now, an increase in referrals was expected. According to the management of the NHS clinic in Leeds, it takes time for gambling-related harm to take over someone’s life, and even more time for such a person to realise they are compulsive gamblers. According to the clinic, it is quite possible that the next wave of problem gambling happens under the circumstances of coronavirus lockdown, with the British customers not being adequately protected.
Social Distancing and Self-Isolation Could Push Brits to Riskier Gambling Behaviour
According to experts, self-isolation is a big risk factor, as with many other addictions, gambling can be a secret act, especially when it comes to online gambling. This, combined with stress and boredom, could cost a lot to players as they are literally able to effectively play in a casino from the comfort of their home.
Apart from that, the insecurities people currently feel, the emotional and financial troubles they may have, could be a contributing factor for a surge in the gambling addiction rates in the UK.
As Casino Guardian reported, a group of twenty Members of Parliament have recently sent a letter to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) urging the trade body for the adoption of stricter measures on gambling during the new coronavirus pandemic. Campaigners claim that the conditions of lengthy shutdown and self-isolation could push people to risky behaviour and get them hooked on gambling, with the most vulnerable groups of society being the ones who are most likely to be affected.
Michael Dugher, chief executive officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, has confirmed that protecting customers at the time of social distancing isolation is a matter of paramount priority and the trade body would make sure it does everything possible to make sure that British customers are provided by safer gambling services. Mr Dugher also shared that potentially vulnerable society members or people who are at risk should get special attention.
- Author
Daniel Williams
