Key Moments:
- GamCare has reported that referrals for financial guidance in 2025 have already surpassed the entire volume recorded in 2024.
- The total amount of gambling loss debts for 2025 to date has doubled compared to 2024, reaching £5 million.
- August has marked a new monthly record, with 198 referrals for financial support relating to gambling.
Record Increase in Requests for Financial Support
GamCare, a gambling support organization in Great Britain, has observed a sharp rise in individuals seeking financial advice connected to gambling losses in 2025. So far this year, 1,151 people have been referred for assistance, significantly higher than the 923 referrals recorded for the entirety of 2024.
Debt Accumulation Exceeds Previous Year
The total monetary value of gambling loss debts reported in 2025 stands at £5 million, already twice as much as the sum identified in 2024. The months of June, July, and August have each experienced at least double the number of referrals compared to their counterparts last year. August posted the highest monthly total on record, with 198 individuals referred for support.
| Year | Number of Referrals | Total Gambling Loss Debt (£) | Record Monthly Referrals (Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 923 | (Not specified) | (Not specified) |
| 2025 to date | 1,151 | 5,000,000 | 198 (August) |
Guidance from GamCare
Kathy Wade, money guidance service manager, commented: “We often hear from people who struggle with gambling that it doesn’t feel like real money they are betting with. A lot of the people we see are young men who are looking for big financial wins either through gambling or even cryptocurrency investing, but it can lead to riskier behaviours around these activities.
“It is especially difficult for people who look to gambling to make extra money for their daily household costs, which continue to feel squeezed by rising pressures. We know that many people gamble safely, but we would not encourage anyone to gamble with the goal of making extra money to cover their essential bills.
“Our team are here for anyone who may be unsure of the financial impact that gambling may be having on them, whether their own gambling or someone else’s.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
