London, 29 January 2025 – General practitioners (GPs) in the UK are being encouraged to ask patients about their gambling habits during medical appointments, as part of new guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
NICE’s final recommendations, published on 28 January, advise healthcare professionals to incorporate gambling-related questions alongside screenings for smoking and alcohol consumption. The guidance is particularly relevant for patients presenting with conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may increase the risk of gambling-related harm.
To support this initiative, NICE is promoting an online questionnaire available on the NHS website. The screening tool, based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), helps assess whether individuals may require specialist treatment. A score of eight or higher suggests a need for professional intervention.
Calls for Early Intervention
Professor Jonathan Benger, NICE’s chief medical officer, emphasised the importance of early identification in tackling problem gambling. “Gambling-related harm has a devastating impact on those who experience it and the people close to them,” he stated. “Our useful and usable guideline will help healthcare professionals and others to identify those needing help earlier and ensure they get the treatment and support they need.”
Baroness Fiona Twycross, the UK’s minister for gambling, welcomed the recommendations, highlighting their role in connecting individuals with the necessary support services.
NICE also stressed the importance of reducing stigma and ensuring patients feel comfortable discussing gambling-related issues. A personalised approach is encouraged, with tailored services for veterans and consideration of ethnic and religious backgrounds. Additionally, the guidance recommends separating gambling treatment from services for alcohol and substance dependencies, while involving family members in treatment if patients consent.
Dr Claire Fuller, national clinical director for Primary Care, believes the new framework will enhance GPs’ ability to assist those affected. “We welcome NICE’s decision as gambling can have a massive impact on people’s lives and the lives of the people that care for them, and as healthcare professionals, we need the right tools to help tackle gambling-related harms,” she said.
Rising Gambling Concerns in the UK
Recent data from the Gambling Commission, published in November 2023, revealed that 2.5% of surveyed adults in the UK scored eight or higher on the PGSI, classifying them as problem gamblers. A further 3.5% were deemed at moderate risk.
In response, NHS England has expanded its support services, opening seven gambling clinics in 2024. Meanwhile, the UK government has introduced plans for a statutory levy on gambling operators, aimed at raising £100 million annually to fund prevention and treatment services. The levy will range from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY), depending on the operator’s sector and product risk level.
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst has called for greater clarity on the levy’s implementation. Speaking at a recent industry webinar, she noted concerns about the proposed rates and their impact on gambling businesses.
As gambling-related harms continue to gain attention, NICE’s new guidelines aim to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to identify and support at-risk individuals more effectively.
