Introduction
Gambling involves staking or risking something of value on an event with an uncertain or chance outcome. The Gambling Act 2005defines gambling as gaming, betting or participating in a lottery. Gambling is a leisure activity for many people, but for some, gambling can lead to a number of problems. People who gamble are categorised as non-problem, at-risk or problem gamblers. Problem gambling is a disorder that can be mild, moderate, or severe, as determined by measures such as the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).
There has been increasing concern in the UK about the harms associated with gambling. Great Britain has one of the most accessible gambling markets in the world. Opportunities to gamble exist on most high streets and, with the spread of the internet, in virtually every home.
The NHS Long Term Plan concluded that gambling is associated with harm to people’s health, finances, relationships, work or study, culture and can lead to participation in criminal activity.
Public Health England (PHE) reported that harmful gambling should be considered a public health issue because it is associated with harms to individuals, their families, close associates, and wider society.