Helping Men Deal With Gambling Addiction
For many men in Wales, gambling can start as a bit of fun. A football accumulator with friends, a few spins online, a visit to the bookmakers or casino. But for some, it can gradually become something that’s difficult to control.
It can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or income. It often develops quietly, making it difficult to recognise until it begins affecting other areas of life.
In Wales, research consistently shows that gambling-related harm affects men disproportionately, with recent data showing that male gamblers are almost twice as likely to experience severe gambling harms across the UK. They are also more likely to chase losses, take greater financial risks and delay seeking support, often because of stigma or the pressure to cope alone.
Gambling can have a devastating impact on men’s mental health. The good news is that recovery is possible. Below we discuss how gambling can effect men, and what support there is here in Wales.
Finding The Why
There isn’t one single reason why gambling becomes a problem. For many men, it’s a combination of life circumstances. Understanding your why is key. Some common reasons include:
- Chasing dopamine: Gambling activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine – the chemical linked to pleasure, excitement and anticipation. Over time, some men begin chasing that feeling rather than the money itself.
- Financial pressure: Money worries, debt or the rising cost of living can lead some men to see gambling as a way to solve financial problems. Unfortunately, gambling almost always makes these pressures worse.
- Escaping stress: Some men gamble to distract themselves. Just like with any temporary escape it doesn’t addresses the underlying issues.
- A need to provide: Many men grow up believing they should be the provider or solve problems on their own. Gambling can create the illusion and persistent hope of finding a quick solution when finances feel out of control.
- The itch: What starts as the occasional bet can gradually become part of everyday life, the urge for the next win. You mgiht not even realise that the £5 a month has suddenly become £100.
- The win: When things aren’t going your way, a wuick win can feel good, and all of a sudden you find your self chasing that high instead of dealing with whats really going on.
- Alcohol or drug use: Drinking or using drugs lowers inhibitions and leads to riskier decisions, and in turn, can become how you try to fund your drug or alcohol habit
- Life changes: Redundancy, divorce, bereavement, illness, trauma or major life transitions can increase the risk of gambling becoming a coping mechanism whether for financial or emotional reasons.
How gambling can affect men
Many men feel pressure to provide, stay in control and solve problems by themselves. These pressures can make it harder to admit when gambling has become a problem.
Causing More Problems than Solutions
Noticing changes in your behaviour can be an important step for getting help:
- You have anxiety after losing money.
- You stopped telling your friends that you are gambling.
- Your hiding your finances because you don’t want people to know how much you are spending.
- You get defensive if somebody asks you about money.
- You are distracted, thinking how you can ‘get my money back.’
- You are spending money that is ear-marked for essentials like bills, rent and food.
If you recognise these changes in yourself, remember: You don’t have to reach “rock bottom” before seeking support.
Taking Healthy Steps
Breaking the relationship you have with gambling will require change, but You’re not alone, and help is available. Try these initial actions:
Talk:
Whether to someone you trust, reaching out to a support group, or calling a helpline, speaking is the first step in knowing you are not alone in this.
Limit:
Set limits on any gambling apps you have. The change is instant, and most feature a 24 hour waiting rule to increase limits again. This allows your dopamine and need to disappear. You can reduce limits again before they are even reduced
Block:
Use apps and banking features to block any spending for certain sites, and prevent access to apps when you know you are most at risk.
Avoid:
Avoid spaces that may trigger your impulse to gamble, at least for a while. It will give you the best chance to take control, and rebuild healthy boundaries when you are ready.
Reach Out
For support with your mental health:
Visit our Get Help Now page.
For support with gambling, helpu recommends:
- National Gambling & NHS Wales Helpline – 0808 281 9265
- GamCare – 0808 802 0133
- NHS Wales Gambling Clinic – 03000 859 464
- Adferiad – 0300 777 2256
- Gamblers Anonymous UK – 0330 094 0322
Written by Phil Scully.
Lead Photo by Thedollasyn on Pexels.
