GamCare has published its first evaluation report undertaken by the specialist unit of the Money Guidance Service (MGS).
Funded by GamCare, MGS currently serves as the UK’s “only national initiative offering gambling-specific money guidance” – detailed as an area of growing concern for GamCare and its treatment, support and intervention facilities.
MGS’ report is titled “Bridging the Gap between Gambling Support and Debt Advice” and contains the evaluations of Dr Xia Lin, Head of Research at Toynbee Hall, and Professor Alessio D’Angelo of the University of Derby.
First insights by MGS detail that the UK suffers from “a critical gap between gambling support and debt advice, providing trusted, valued and effective support to those struggling with gambling-related financial harm.”
The evaluation found that one-to-one guidance through the service enhanced financial stability, reduced debt burdens, supported recovery and contributed to overall wellbeing.
Participants highlighted the powerful impact of learning to budget, increasing confidence and providing hope for the future. Stakeholders in both gambling harm and debt advice sectors also recognised MGS as successfully bridging this long-standing gap.
Commenting on the findings, Kathy Wade, Money Guidance Service Manager at GamCare, said: “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 see rising costs impacting 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.”
MGS was first launched in 2022, beginning with pilot schemes in the East Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber. Its creation was backed by GamCare in response to growing demand for tailored financial advice, as 76% of National Gambling Helpline callers report financial difficulty linked to gambling, and 31% say financial struggles were a key reason behind their gambling.
Following the pilot’s success, the programme was expanded nationally in 2023, offering referrals directly through the Helpline alongside GamCare’s treatment services.
For many service users, the impact has been transformative. One anonymous participant described:
“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.”
This year so far has seen GamCare prioritise new research areas to strengthen the UK’s treatment and support network for problem gambling.
The charity’s call comes as the national support network continues its transition to a new Statutory Gambling levy led jointly by the NHS and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
The new framework sees OHID serve as the lead commissioner for prevention funding, with the NHS responsible for treatment funding, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) overseeing research.
GamCare has urged the institutions to ensure dedicated research explores the wider social harms of gambling, including debt, money guidance, domestic abuse, and the need for specialised treatment pathways for women.
