How to recognise harmful gambling

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Gamban is an award-winning gambling website blocker, provided free of charge through the Welsh Government. If you’re worried about your gambling, stopping access to apps and sites could be one of the first steps on your road to recovery. Sign up here.

In the meantime, Gamban’s social media and content manager - Kat Baker - has some useful advice on spotting some of the signs of harmful gambling...

Gambling has become embedded in society. The 2024 Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) showed that, in Wales, 62% of people gambled during the previous twelve months. From a day at the races to a flutter in the local casino, for many people gambling is woven casually into everyday life.

But what happens when gambling goes wrong?

In Wales, according to the GSGB, 4.1% of people who gambled were identified as ‘problem gamblers’. With smartphone apps putting a casino in pretty much everyone's pocket, gambling addiction is one of the easiest to hide - which also means it can go unnoticed and untreated.

Many people can enjoy gambling without it causing issues, but if someone's gambling has become harmful, it's important to know the signs.

Financial concerns

One of the most obvious signs is sporadic finances. If someone is struggling to cover basic living costs one day and then seems to be flush with money another, it may be a sign that they are struggling with gambling.

Lying

In active addiction, people often lie to cover their tracks, for example about where they’ve been or where money has gone. If you spot patterns or behaviours that don’t add up, it could be a sign of deeper issues.

Being secretive

A gambler may become secretive over their phone and bank statements as they try to hide the extent of the problem. Wanting privacy is perfectly normal, but going out of the way to hide things might be a warning sign.

Missed responsibilities

Sometimes, gambling becomes all-consuming, and other responsibilities are left to slide. Lack of self-care, missing social events or struggling at work can all be signs of an underlying issue.

Stressed

Stress and irritability alone don’t indicate someone has a problem with gambling - they could be due to other issues; But if the stress is accompanied by other warning signs, it could indicate they need help.

If you have noticed some or all of the above in a loved one, friend, or colleague it might be time to speak with them about harmful gambling.

You don’t have to have all the answers, but an honest conversation now can be a huge step towards recovery. Read our blog post on how to start a conversation about harmful gambling.

There are plenty of resources available to support someone experiencing gambling harm.

Block access to online gambling with Gamban.
Help them self-exclude from all UK casinos.
Self-exclude from all the betting shops in your area.
The National Debtline provides free, confidential, and independent advice on dealing with debt problems.

NHS Wales provides free access to ‘Space from Gambling Harms’, an online course for help with managing harmful gambling. There’s no waiting list and no need to see a GP.

Contact the all-Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 281 9265.

Published: 21/09/2026