People seeking support for gambling-related financial problems have reached record numbers, GamCare has warned.

Data from the charity’s Money Guidance Service has claimed that this year’s registrations since January have already surpassed the total number of referrals for the whole of 2024.

The Money Guidance Service provides one-to-one budgeting and financial support for those seeking help with their problematic financial situation caused by gambling harm. It is available to everyone living in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Some of the advice for affected individuals revolves around setting financial goals, understanding spending behaviours, and putting a budget together, among others. 

GamCare has now said the number of people referred to the service since the start of the year has reached a total of 1,151. For comparison, the whole of 2024 saw a total of 923 registrants.

June, July and August have particularly gone through a notable uptick in referrals, with the numbers for 2024 being 80, 75, and 69 respectively, while in 2025 these numbers were 172, 165, and 198. 

For the first eight months of this year, the collective debt reported by gamblers stood at £5.3m, almost doubling when compared against last year’s total of £2.8m, GamCare added. This translates to an average of £4,682 per person.

The profile of the average player who reaches out can vary widely – from wealthy individuals who are using business funds to gamble and incurring “millions of pounds” in debt in some cases, to people who are relying on gambling winnings to make both ends meet.

Kathy Wade, Money Guidance Service Manager, said: “We often hear from people who struggle with gambling that it doesn’t feel like real money they are betting with.  

“It is especially difficult for people who look to gambling to make extra money for their daily household costs, which continue to feel squeezed by rising pressures. 

“We know that many people gamble safely, but we would not encourage anyone to gamble with the goal of making extra money to cover their essential bills.”

The impact of gambling-related debt on UK society may cause further political problems for gambling, which has been facing renewed calls from various politicians for a regulatory review.

MPs have cited the impact of gambling on financially vulnerable people and those in lower income areas as key reasons for the government to take another look at gambling regulation – despite the Gambling Act review having only concluded in April 2023 and adoption of its recommendations still ongoing. 

Those struggling with gambling harm can contact support specialists on GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, which is open 24/7 everyday of the year.