Essex gambling charity offering support ahead of Grand Nationals

Big sporting events can be triggers for people with gambling problems or those who are recovering, according to a charity in Essex.

This weekend (13 April) millions of people are expected to be placing bets, as the Grand Nationals takes place.

Ian Semel is the CEO of Break Evan, a charity with bases across the East of England.

They are part of the National Gambling Support Network and funded by Gamble Aware, which delivers gambling related home treatment to anybody affected by problem gambling.

Ian says it’s important to look after vulnerable people who are seriously impacted by gambling.

He said: “It’s an absolute given that there will be a rise in gambling this weekend. The Grand Nationals is something that is a lot of fun for people that wouldn't normally gamble, who put a bet on once a year.

“But for people who are in recovery from gambling related harm or people that are on the cusp of thinking they might have a problem - this is certainly a trigger because it's so well publicised. It's going to be the main event going on, amongst all the other sporting events. Somebody in recovery will work very hard to stay away from it, not look at certain things in the paper, but this is going to be very difficult to stay away from.”

He continued: “The Grand National for the vast majority will be a fun event. They'll play out a small sum of money and win, lose or draw - t's not going to affect them going forward. Somebody that's got a problem with gambling will be gambling beyond their means and will need something to win, and that's why they gamble. So, it's all about affordability, how much time you spend on it, and is it taking away from other things in your life.

“Anyone can contact us 24/7. We offer gambling related support to anybody affected by a problem. Not just a gambler, but that can be a friend, a family member that is affected by someone else's gambling.”