Problem gambling

Through support from GambleAware between 2019-2022 Adfam delivered a project focused on improving support for families affected by gambling. This project entailed:

  • Developing and delivering a specialist training programme tailed for professionals on how best to support families with a loved one with a gambling problem. Almost 100 practitioners working in gambling services across the country completed this specialist training course across a number of sessions.
  • Running regular forum events for practitioners whose work brings them into contact with families affected by gambling across the UK, to network and share practice. The forums focused on a range of topics including the latest research on the impact of gambling on families, the impact of gambling on women, a consultation on Adfam’s practitioner toolkit and good practice examples of supporting families affected by gambling. 
  • Conducting research into the impact of gambling on families. The findings from Adfam’s range of research activities over the course of the project were summarised in a research report which included a series of recommendations. Download the report here: Helping families and friends negatively affected by gambling: Policy and practice recommendations from Adfam’s research.
  • Developing a toolkit, Families and gambling: A resource toolkit for working with families affected by gambling. This toolkit is for practitioners to use when working with families affected by gambling. It contains a selection of resources – some for practitioners to use with their clients and others for practitioners to hand out to clients.

If you are affected by the gambling of a friend or family member and in need of support you contact the following organisations:

  • GamCare run a free telephone helpline that is open 24/7 (0808 8020 133) along with online support including live chat and an online forum for friends & family. 
  • The National Problem Gambling Clinic treats people living in England and Wales aged 13 and over who are experiencing gambling harms and assesses the needs of partners and families. Contact 020 7381 7722 / gambling.cnwl@nhs.net