Gambling recognised as a risk factor in UK government's suicide prevention strategy

The UK government has announced a new five-year cross-sector governmental strategy to reduce the suicide rate in the UK and has named gambling as one of the risk factors linked to suicide.

This is the first suicide prevention strategy for England since 2012, with the government noting considerable progress in implementing the actions that were set out by local authorities, NHS organisations and suicide prevention organisations all aligning their activities with the national strategy.

Noted in the release of the latest strategy, the government said that while the suicide rate has not risen significantly since 2012, neither is it falling, asserting: “We must do all we can to prevent more suicides, save many more lives and ultimately reduce suicide rates.”

As part of the strategy release, the government named gambling as a risk factor for suicide, referencing the research conducted by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities as well as Public Health England in October 2019, which showed increasing evidence of the causal link between gambling-related harm and suicide. 

Following further research into data, evidence and subsequent engagement with experts, including those with personal experience of gambling-related harm, gambling has been further identified as a priority area to be addressed by providing early intervention and tailored support.

The publication also shared that while the government and NHS England have already taken steps to address the health harms associated with gambling, it will open the 15 specialised gambling treatment clinics already committed to as part of its NHS Long Term Plan this month – six months ahead of schedule.

NHS England has also updated its ‘Help for problems with gambling’ webpage to include better signposting to advice sources and support.

The government also referred to the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review, which sets out the steps it is taking to have the right controls and safeguards in place on gambling products to minimise risk, detailing further plans that are being carried out to help better protect consumers.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Gambling Commission (GC) are working together to improve informational messaging, which includes highlighting the risks associated with gambling.

Additionally, at some point before the end of this year, the DCMS will consult on the design and scope of a statutory levy paid by operators to fund research, education and treatment of gambling-related harm.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is also developing clinical guidelines to support identifying, assessing and managing harmful gambling, which is expected to be published in Spring 2024. 

The DHSC will continue to work with the NHS to explore opportunities to improve current treatment for those suffering with gambling-related harm, including gambling-related suicides. This involves a review of the current treatment system in England, with the outcomes set to be published later this year. 

Meanwhile, the Local Government Association will update local authorities on gambling-related harm guidance and urge public health teams to consider the link between suicide prevention and harmful gambling.

Lastly, the Royal College of Psychiatrists will develop a “continuous professional development resource” to improve wider understanding of harmful gambling, which includes the risk of suicide, with the resource expected to launch in 2024.