More people than ever in the UK are seeking financial guidance following gambling losses, according to new data from GamCare and PayPlan.

Debt provider PayPlan reported record demand in January 2026, with 21,000 contacts across the month – a 22% year-on-year increase – as specialists flagged a growing link between debt and gambling harm.

Publication of the results comes amid political pressure mounting on the UK gaming sector once again, with MPs like Dawn Butler of the Labour Party focusing heavily on the industry’s societal impact and effect on vulnerable people.

Butler is leading a campaign for the government to scrap the ‘Aim to Permit’ rule around retail licensing, taking particular aim at Adult Gaming Centres. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform is also calling for another review of betting legislation, despite the last one having only concluded in 2023.

Growing demand

Meanwhile, GamCare revealed that the number of people using its Money Guidance Service doubled in 2025. A total of 1,954 individuals sought support after gambling losses, up from 923 in 2024 and a 112% increase.

The financial impact has also intensified, with total reported debt rising by 153% year-on-year, reaching more than £7.2m in 2025, with an average of £21,269 per person. This compares to £2.8m and an average of £13,876 in 2024.

Demand has continued into 2026, with a record 233 people referred into the Money Guidance Service due to gambling-related losses in January alone – nearly triple the figure recorded a year earlier.

Referrals between the two organisations are also increasing. In 2025, 243 people were directed from GamCare to PayPlan for debt advice, up 34% from 181 the previous year.

Emma Gibbons, Vulnerability Lead at PayPlan, commented: “We’re seeing first-hand how gambling-related harm is increasingly linked to debt. 

“The rise in referrals from GamCare reflects the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn after suffering losses.”

“We know early, compassionate debt advice can make a real difference, through helping people stabilise their finances, understand their options, and begin to regain control. We’re proud to work alongside GamCare to ensure everyone that needs it receives non-judgmental support.”

On a wider scale, GamCare also made nearly 1,000 referrals in January to treatment and peer-based support services as a whole.

GamCare to rely on government backing

The UK-based charity is primarily funded by GambleAware, but that will come to an end on 31 March, as GambleAware closes its doors permanently. 

GamCare has started working with NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), as well as regional governments which will fund gambling support services to secure funding for its core services, including the National Gambling Helpline.

Kathy Wade, Money Guidance Service Manager at GamCare, added: “We are concerned that people are telling us they are looking towards gambling to help them cover essential bills, as households feel squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis, but end up in a worse financial situation as a result. 

“We realise that many people gamble safely and do so to win money, but we would not encourage anyone to gamble with the goal of making extra money to cover essential bills.”