GamCare has published guidance from its helpline on how the public can manage their gambling during the festive season.
Ben – one of the gambling charity’s helpline Night Managers – raised some key issues frequently discussed on calls to the helpline at this time of the year.
These issues were: early payday; new devices; scratch cards and cash; and pressure.
GamCare highlighted that many people are paid early at Christmas, which can cause issues for someone who is suffering from gambling harms as there is a longer period than usual between December and January paydays.
Offering advice on the matter, Ben said: “A common strategy you might already use is to set up a Direct Debit for bills on the day you are paid, to avoid money sitting in the bank.
“With an early payday, you might want to send this money to family or friends to look after until the Direct Debit goes out of your bank account. You can also set up bank gambling blocks or use GAMSTOP, which you can get for free through our TalkBanStop partnership.
“Our Money Guidance Service also has helpful advice for managing your money.”
New devices were spotlighted as a potential issue since any new devices gifted to someone who has a gambling problem won’t have support services such as Gamban blocking software installed to prevent their gambling, removing a barrier.
Ben advised: “If you use Gamban, it would be helpful to install it on your new devices straight out of the box. Equally, if you are buying a new device for someone with experience of gambling harms, pre-installing Gamban before presenting the gift is a way to provide support.
“Gamban is also free through our TalkBanStop partnership, available by talking to a Helpline Adviser or through our forum.”
Guidance was also offered by GamCare on scratch cards and cash since these are common gifts over the holiday period, particularly to people who like to gamble.
“Someone who has recently embarked on their recovery may not have told their extended family or friends about the gambling harms they have faced, and might find themselves receiving gifts that are challenging for them,” said Ben.
“Cash can also be a common gift that presents challenges. A sudden influx of cash may open the door to the risks of returning to gambling and experiencing gambling harm. In both cases, it can be helpful to ask people not to give these gifts beforehand. Gift cards, for instance, are a good substitute as there are limitations on how they can be used.”
The holiday season itself can cause financial and emotional pressure, another issue raised by GamCare, which recommended having open, two-way conversations about the topic.
Ben stated: “Working with your loved ones to ease the financial and social pressures of Christmas may help reduce any triggers during the festive period. Alongside open communication with the people around you, our National Gambling Helpline is available for anyone who has faced gambling harms, and we offer a variety of self-help tools.”
GamCare also highlighted the National Gambling Helpline, where trained advisers offer free and confidential information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling or someone else’s gambling.
The helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, including over the Christmas period on 0808 8020 133 or via live chat, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or our moderated chatrooms and forum.