Problem Gambling Measures Included in UK Men’s Health Strategy

The UK government has launched England’s first Men’s Health Strategy, which will include addressing problem gambling, recognising the issue as a “significant risk.”

The strategy was published in association with International Men’s Day, with the aim of tackling men’s mental health challenges, improving physical health and reducing inequalities so that men and boys can live longer and healthier lives. As part of the strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will collaborate with the English Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative to try and break the stigma around mental health.

The government is investing £3.6 million in suicide prevention projects in the next three years that will be aimed at middle-aged men in local communities across areas of England where men are at most risk of taking their own lives, including some of the most deprived areas in the country.

How this relates to gambling

With regards to gambling, the strategy will include a new voluntary sector grant, starting in April 2026, which will fund prevention interventions aimed at reducing gambling harms including through supporting and preventing groups most at risk of harm. National campaigns and local initiatives will be run to raise awareness about the risks of gambling, and there is a plan to increase access and integration of treatment and support services for those experiencing gambling-related harm.

Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of Action on Gambling, said: “The first ever Men’s Health Strategy is an important milestone, and the fact that it correctly identifies gambling as a significant risk is particularly welcome. Under the leadership of the DHSC, progress in tackling preventable health issues that disproportionately impact men, such as problem gambling, will at last be possible.”
Problem gambling rates up

Last month, the Gambling Commission announced the percentage of problem gamblers in Great Britain increased slightly to 2.7% for 2024, up from 2.5% for 2023. That number was published as part of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which showed 2.7% of respondents scored eight or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI); the highest possible score.

Problem gambling rates have been significantly higher than the data was showing in previous surveys published by the Commission. The Commission previously announced that in the year to December 2022, a total of 0.2% of respondents classed as problem gamblers.

That data was based on the Commission’s quarterly telephone survey, which has since been replaced by the GSGB. In the quarterly telephone survey, problem gamblers were classed as anyone who scored four or more on the PGSI scale, but it was still the most at-risk group.
The Commission had also previously published screening tests from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, which had showed a total of 0.5% of problem gamblers in 2018.
New strategy welcomed

Speaking about the Men’s Health Strategy, Greg Fell, President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, highlighted gambling-related issues when stating: “We are pleased to see this new strategy emphasises preventing the many avoidable illnesses and diseases - including a number of cancers and respiratory and mental health conditions - that are driven by smoking, drinking and gambling. The focus on improving wellbeing is also welcome.”

James Grimes, Director of campaign group Chapter One, Gambling with Lives, said: “The release of this strategy is very welcome, especially in its recognition of the health harms caused by gambling - harms felt by countless men across the country.”