As part of trying to Beat the January Blues, it is important to be aware of factors which may be impacting your mental health and overall wellbeing. Financial wellbeing is a vital part of this, which is why our Money and Budgeting Team have worked together with award winning charity Ygam to raise awareness around gaming and gambling harms for students. Ygam is an award-winning charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research.
Students and Gambling
The Annual Student Gambling Survey 2024, commissioned by Ygam and GAMSTOP, reveals that nearly half of student gamblers reported gambling more than they could afford, with 60% having gambled in the past year. The survey also found that 46% of student gamblers experienced negative impacts on their university experience, such as missing study deadlines and struggling with basic expenses. On average, student gamblers lost £35.25 per week, with 15% losing £50 or more. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) indicated that 28% were at ‘moderate risk’, and 21% were classified as ‘problem gamblers’.
Understanding the vulnerabilities of students to gambling is crucial for your own wellbeing and for universities to provide appropriate support to help you navigate these challenges.
Recognising Signs of Gambling Harm
Recognising when you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harms can be challenging, as the signs are often subtle and may be masked by other behaviours or life stressors. Changes in behaviour or mood might not immediately suggest that someone is experiencing gambling harms, but understanding potential warning signs can ensure that those who may be struggling are supported and can find help if they need it.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Withdrawal: Avoiding social and professional activities to gamble, leading to isolation from friends and family.
- Chasing losses: Continuously gambling to win back money lost, often resulting in even greater losses.
- Lying: Hiding the extent of gambling activities or financial losses from friends or loved ones.
- Financial problems: Frequently running out of money, borrowing funds, or using savings and loans to gamble.
- Mood swings: Experiencing significant changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression, related to gambling.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring academic, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling.
- Health issues: Suffering from stress-related health problems, such as headaches, insomnia, or gastrointestinal issues.
- Guilt and shame: Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling habits and their impact on life.
Learning more about the risks associated with gambling can help you make informed decisions and enable you to recognise signs of harm in yourself or your friends, thus creating a safer campus environment.
How to get help:
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, the National Gambling Support Network provides free help and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have care or influence over a child or young person and want more information about gambling harms and how to prevent them, you can register for a free online workshop through the Ygam website.
For confidential, independent and personalised support, please contact the Advice Service at su.advice.money@ucl.ac.uk
Content produced for Students' Union UCL by Tom Moodey for Ygam