Gambling
According to an NUS survey, in 2019 59% of students gambled in some way that year, and 28% of students had gambled to make money. One in eight of the students who gambled bet more than they could afford to lose, and nearly a quarter of students who gamble feel guilt over it. During the pandemic the draw to online gaming websites has only increased and unfortunately for many people, so have money problems. All this means that students now face incredible difficulties with gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous have produced 20 questions to help you work out how healthy your relationship is with gambling. Signs to watch out for if you are concerned about gambling include:
- Are you losing time and energy to gamble that you could be using on other things?
- Is it making you unhappy, remorseful, or causing problems with your relationships?
- Do you gamble to try and solve money problems?
- Does gambling cause money problems for you?
- Are you able to stop?
If you, or someone you know, suffers from a gambling addiction, you may be experiencing money difficulties, strained relationships, and emotional difficulties
Where can I get support?
As well as the University’s student wellbeing service, there are a number of organisations that specialise in helping people with a gambling problem.
- GamCare runs a hotline, groupchat, and forum to discuss gambling problems
- The NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic runs support groups and other psychiatric support
- Gambler’s Anonymous runs groups around the country (online during lockdown) which can help you to cope with a gambling addiction
- BeGambleAware runs the National Gambling Service hotline as well as an online live chat with an expert
- Gambling Therapy runs online support groups multiple times a day for gamblers and family/friends/supporters
What tools can help me quit?
If you are having problems with gambling you can take control of this by choosing to self-exclude from gambling websites and companies. GamStop offers a system for blocking yourself from online gambling tools.
You can self-exclude from bookmakers in your area using the Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme. You can do this by calling 0800 294 2060
What financial support is available?
The University offers a Success For All Fund to help students who experience unexpected financial challenges affecting your ability to study. This fund is assessed on your income rather than your parents and can be helpful is you are experiencing unexpected debts or expenditures. If you would like help with your application you can email advice@exeterguild.com
- Step Change offer help taking control of debt
- The Citizen’s Advice Service offers help with money issues and other problems
- National Debtline offers help with budgeting
If you have experienced issues with illegal money lenders you can report loan sharks and get help from Stop Loan Sharks