New Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance sets out its view of what regulated firms should do to comply with their regulatory obligations regarding the fair treatment of vulnerable customers. This guide explores how the FCA’s six expectations can be applied to harmful gambling. It offers practical examples of how regulated firms are already identifying and supporting customers who are at risk of gambling-related harm and what more could be done.
The GambleAware website offers a range of integrated support services for people who are experiencing gambling harm, to help prevent it from escalating further.
GambleAware is the first port of call for people seeking advice or support for their gambling, or that of a loved one. It contains vital information and directs people to essential services or tools to help them get the support they need. In 2023 the website had an estimated 4.8 million users.
GambleAware has worked with partners to develop resources to support those working in health and social care to understand more about gambling disorder and how to support those experiencing gambling harms.
GambleAware supports other organisations to develop and produce materials for teachers and youth workers to help young people understand more about the risks of gambling. Previous materials are available to view and are regularly reviewed to ensure we achieve maximum impact and social benefit.
"No one ever talks about losses. So, it's really hard to even know if someone's got a problem or not, because if you haven’t won for a while – you just won’t say anything...Hearing other people’s stories that are similar to mine kind of makes you think ‘Wait a minute’… you realise you’re not a million miles away from it."
"I try and set myself limits to keep it under control. You can sit there and say you’re in control – but sometimes you’re not. Having a spend calculator is really helpful….it visually shows how much you’re spending. You can’t ignore it."
"I never thought I had a problem. I didn't want to be seen like a gambler and addict. But they're all the things that I was...I think now knowing that I can pick up the phone to someone, or I could reach out to someone and get help straight away…it might have been easier."
"At first I wouldn’t say anything because actually... it's not really my place to say, it's not my money. Then I thought I could help him, but I realise now that's not the case and I should have looked after myself first… I still sometimes have to remember to do that."
"I never talked about anything. I wish I had, just saying stuff out loud makes such a difference… I went to group meetings and the more I spoke about my story, the more open I was. And the more I was getting asked questions and getting more involved. It was that that helped me in my recovery."