Academics from Swansea University have raised significant concerns about the lack of treatment services for individuals in Wales vulnerable to gambling harms. They are calling for the establishment of NHS gambling harm services in Wales and urging the Welsh Government to address this pressing issue. The lack of specialized clinics for gambling harms in Wales and Scotland, in contrast to the 15 such clinics in England, has become a growing concern, particularly as the number of gambling harm referrals to the NHS has increased steadily.
Increasing Gambling Harm Referrals:
Lack of NHS Clinics in Wales and Scotland: Despite the quarter-on-quarter increase in gambling harm referrals to the NHS, there are no dedicated gambling harm clinics in Wales or Scotland, while there are 15 in England.
Survey on Gambling Harm: A 2018 survey found that 3.6% of individuals in Wales had experienced gambling harm. It is suspected that this percentage has grown alongside the increased participation in gambling, which rose by 11% between 2018 and 2022.
Overlooked Demographics: Calls for increased gambling harm services in Scotland highlight that women are particularly overlooked when it comes to addressing this issue.
Challenges Highlighted by Public Health Wales:
Health Needs Assessment (HNA): In 2022, Public Health Wales conducted an HNA focusing on the impact of gambling on the Welsh population. The report revealed that individuals experiencing gambling harms were often unaware of available support systems, including third-sector providers and charities.
Awareness and Accessibility Issues: The HNA report identified challenges surrounding the awareness, accessibility, and acceptability of current gambling treatment and support provision in Wales, indicating the need for specialized services.
The Call for Action:
Academic and Expert Opinion: Swansea University professor and Director of GREAT Network Wales, Simon Dymond, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated NHS gambling harm services in Wales. The academics are calling on the Welsh Government and key stakeholders to address this critical issue promptly.
NHS Investment Required: It is crucial for NHS investment in gambling harm services for Wales to be made a priority to meet the needs of those affected by gambling harms.
The absence of NHS gambling harm services in Wales, despite the rising number of referrals, is a matter of growing concern. Academics and experts are emphasizing the need for action to establish specialized treatment services that can effectively address gambling harms in Wales. The call for investment and support from the NHS and the Welsh Government underscores the urgency of this issue.