Women in Lancashire gambling to make ends meet
It's feared the increased cost of living is driving people to riskier forms of income
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
The charity GambleAware is launching a prevention campaign targeting women, to raise awareness of the vital support available for those who are struggling with their relationship with gambling.
The new initiative aims to break the stigma and highlight the avenues of help available for women who are experiencing gambling harms.
The study found:
• 24% of women (aged 18-49) who gamble are expecting to gamble more in the coming months
• One in ten have turned to gambling in an attempt to supplement household income
• One in five are already experiencing health challenges due to gambling
The campaign aims to challenge the unique stigma that impacts women who gamble in particular, helping women and their loved ones to spot early warning signs surrounding their gambling and start a conversation before these issues escalate.
GambleAware warns that the current squeeze on household budgets could lead to an increase in people experiencing gambling related problems, with a quarter (24%) of women expecting to increase the frequency of their gambling over the coming months as the economic situation worsens.
Among women who gamble, one in three (32%) said they would be reluctant to speak to a family member about concerns over their gambling, with nearly half (49%) of these women stating shame as a key barrier. In addition, nearly two thirds (63%) felt women’s gambling is seen less acceptable than men and one in five (19%) were already hiding or downplaying their gambling.
We've been speaking to Kelly Field from St. Helens who helps people overcome their addiction after suffering herself.
She says:
"I spent all I had. I went to town one day and I put £1,600 from our joint account into a slot machine within a few hours. I was devastated. I was at a total loss and i was ashamed and embarrassed.
"I cut away at my wrists.
"I was refereed for counselling within a week. My mental health just deteriorated. I continued to gamble, i continued to spend more money.
"I did want to get into the car and just drive into a tree.
"I did want to take my own life as a result of gambling addiction. It takes you to such a dark place. You lose so much more than money. You lose confidence, self-worth, self-esteem and become isolated."