GamCare has cautioned people with gambling problems to be extremely cautious not to put themselves in more risk as the holiday season approaches.
A YouGov survey commissioned by the gambling charity and concentrating on more than 4,000 UK adults suffering from problem gambling found that three-fifths (59%) of those prone to gambling harm think they are more likely to gamble over Christmas than the rest of the year, a 37% increase from 2023.
According to the report, 53% of persons who gamble at dangerous levels have spent money that would have been used for food, gifts, or other seasonal necessities on gaming.
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Again, 53% of polled respondents report more stress or worry as a result of gambling, while 56% say it has made them more alienated.
GamCare has placed its own advisors on standby to assist anyone who may require assistance over the holidays, and its National Gambling Helpline remains accessible for people with gambling problems or those close to them who may be suffering indirectly as a result.
According to Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive of GamCare, the holiday season can be challenging for those battling with gambling. However, it can also be an opportunity to open up about the challenges they face.Our new research finds that those who currently have gambling problems are more prone to bet over the holiday season than at other times of the year.
“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline offers free confidential assistance 24/7, 365 days a year, including Christmas Day and the whole holiday season. There are other methods to receive help, including phoning an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp services if you are concerned about privacy when family and friends are present.”
Meanwhile, Germany has chosen a different approach to its holiday awareness campaign, warning gamers about the dangers of gambling with illicit operators instead.
In a public statement, the country’s gambling regulator, Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), acknowledged that the Christmas season is a time when people have more free time or are under more stress, which gambling providers seek to capitalize on by increasing their marketing efforts and bonus offers.
This is where the client must take the initiative and be aware of the gambling site they are using, according to the GGL, as illicit suppliers are excellent at utilizing similar strategies to entice naïve users and expose them to fraud and legal penalties.
By employing the services of an illegal gambling provider, the player enters a realm far from Germany’s regulatory control, where games can be freely manipulated, player protection is not prioritized, and personal data can be sold to a variety of malicious actors.
To circumvent this, gamers can visit the regulator’s website, where all legal and regulated operators in Germany are placed on a whitelist.
“Play safely and informed,” the GGL letter said.
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