The information on this page was provided by YGAM to support students with the risks of gambling and gaming'.

Gambling

There are many forms of gambling, you may not even realise that some activities are gambling. For most gambling activities, the legal age in the United Kingdom, is 18.

Examples of different types of gambling activity:

• Arcades
• Sports betting
• Bingo
• Casinos
• Lotteries
• Private bets
• Gaming machines
• Esports betting

Most of these activities are also available online via a phone, tablet or computer.

Spotting the Signs of Gambling Harm.

There are many signs that  could indicate that someone is struggling with gambling, you may notice changes in yourself or a friend or family member.

Some examples of signs of gambling related harm:

• Preoccupation with gambling
• Missing lectures/ missing course work deadline
• Withdrawal from social/friendship
• Secrecy
• Changes in mood/behaviour
• Gambling until you have nothing left
• Chasing losses
• Borrowing money
• Unexplained debt/ new or extra money/possessions
• Feeling anxious and worried

If you're worried about your own or someone else's gambling, you can call The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free advice and support.

 

Gaming

Gaming, can be fun, sociable and a good way to relax and unwind. It’s accessible on mobile, pc and consoles and is increasingly popular for people of all ages.

Many games have begun to implement paid add-ons, from down loadable content (DLC) to Loot boxes, many of which require luck, and have odds comparable to those of gambling.

This can increase financial risk and Loot boxes have been compared to gambling, with many spending more than they can afford.

 

Spotting the signs of gaming related harm:

Signs of Gaming harm may include:

• Constantly thinking about or wanting to play the game
• Feeling irritable and restless (fidgety) when not playing
• Underreporting or lying about how much time you’ve spent playing or playing in secret (such as in the middle of the night)
• Tiredness, headaches or hand pain from too much screen time and use of controllers
• Not wanting to pay attention to things like your personal hygiene (e.g., washing) or eating
• Not seeing friends as often or doing other things you used to enjoy doing as all your time is spent gaming
• Not wanting to go to university/lectures or work so that you can game

Ygam

The Ygam student hub is full of information specifically made by students for students about gaming and gambling, as well as lots of links to the support that’s available to you if you’re worried about your own, or someone else’s gambling.

 

Where to find help?

Free support

There are many organisations that offer free support and advice about gambling.

Support, Treatment and Advice

GamCare- Provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling harms. They also operate the National Gambling Helpline and provide treatment to anyone affected by gambling.

BeGambleAware- The BeGambleAware website has lots of information and advice about gambling as well as signposting to support organisations.

Gamblers Anonymous- There are gamblers Anonymous groups across the UK. They are support groups that enable people who are struggling with gambling to meet regularly while competing a program to overcome their gambling. You can find a group in your area on their website.

Central and North West London and NHS Northern Gambling Service – Treatment for problem gamblers living in England and Wales aged 16 and over. The team assesses the needs of problem gamblers as well as those of their partners and family members.

Free Tools

There are many free tools available if you’re struggling with gambling. Using tools is a good way to put barriers between you and your gambling and help you regain control.

Self- Exclusion

GAMSTOP- For online gambling, GAMSTOP is a free tool that lets you self-exclude from all GB licensed gambling sites and apps for a period of your choosing (6 months, 1 year or 5 years).

SENSE- Self- exclusion from land-based casinos

BACTA- Self-exclusion from Motorway service areas, family entertainment centres, arcades and adult gambling centres.

MOSES- Self- exclusion from betting shops

Bingo Association- Self-exclusion from bingo premises

Other free tools

• Blocking Software- Blocks your access to gambling websites and apps worldwide. Gamban is currently being offered for free through TalkBanStop.
• Bank Blocks- Many banks offer the option to block gambling transactions. You can find a complete list of banks that offer this service here.
• Ad Blocks- You can install an adblocker on your device to reduce the amount of gambling advertising that you see online. Find out more about installing adblockers here.
• Most social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram also offer the option to block gambling ads from appearing on your feed, you can find out more about how to block advertising on social media here