The gambling support charity GamCare is today releasing a new evaluation report of its Money Guidance Service, entitled ‘Bridging the Gap between Gambling Support and Debt Advice.’

The service is believed to be the first and only national initiative offering gambling-specific money guidance. It provides tailored support to individuals affected by gambling-related harm.

Evaluated by Dr Xia Lin and Professor Alessio D’Angelo – two experts in social and health research – the findings show the service filling a critical gap between gambling support and debt advice, providing trusted, valued and effective support to those struggling with gambling related-financial harm.

GamCare established the Money Guidance Service in 2022 – initially with pilot schemes in the East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber – to support people with the financial impact that gambling harm can lead to. The service was rolled out nationally in 2023, where people could access a referral when calling GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline alongside the charity’s treatment services.

The evaluation report found:

• The one-to-one guidance offered through the service had helped enhanced financial stability, reduce debt, support recovery and contributed to their overall wellbeing.
• Participants in the report highlight the powerful impact of budgeting in helping manage finances, and the long-term impact of increasing their confidence and hope for the future.
• The Money Guidance team had also provided a significant level of internal training for advisors on the National Gambling Helpline, giving more confidence to make referrals and provide basic money guidance to callers.
• Stakeholders within the gambling harms and debt advice sectors also recognised the service as successfully bridging the gap between gambling support and debt advice, providing holistic assistance to those using the service.

Kathy Wade, Money Guidance Service Manager at GamCare, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the impact that the team has had in helping people recover from gambling-related financial issues, especially as we continue to rising costs impacted people in Britain. This report highlights the important steps the team is taking in helping people get back on their feet after gambling-related debt. We’re looking forward to implementing the recommendations of the report and continue building an excellent service which helps people get back in control of their finances.”

One anonymous service user said: “When I was gambling, I felt like I had completely lost control of everything. It [the Money Guidance Service] has definitely helped me achieve to be more confident with my money. I’m not as anxious anymore and I’m not worrying about where I’m going to get next week’s food shopping from.”

76% of people who ring GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline say financial difficulty is an impact they experience from their gambling, with 31% saying their reason for gambling is financial difficulties.