Beyond the bet: how gambling problems often hide in plain sight in UK communities

For many in the UK and around the world, gambling is part of everyday life. A flutter on the horses, a football accumulator, a few spins on a slot game, or a quick game of poker online, all whilst scrolling during a break; it can feel harmless, even fun, and for lots of people it is. 

Yet behind this seemingly innocent pastime, gambling problems can hide in plain sight, quietly eroding mental health, relationships, and financial security. Unlike other addictions, gambling leaves no visible marks. There is no smell of smoke, no bottles on the table; only the lingering anxiety and shame that many keep to themselves.

At Ibiza Calm, we know that recognising gambling harm early is vital. Understanding how it manifests, even before it becomes a full-blown addiction, can make the difference between struggling alone and seeking the support that can transform a life.

A nation that likes a bet

Recent surveys reveal that gambling is widespread in the UK. Nearly half of adults (48%) have gambled in the past month. Whilst most do so without apparent harm, 2.7% of adults, which is around 1.4 million people, are considered high-risk gamblers, showing significant patterns of harm according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (The Guardian, 2025).

The landscape of gambling has shifted dramatically in recent years. Online and mobile betting platforms have made gambling accessible round the clock, often targeting young adults with flashy apps and social media promotions. Where once betting was a social activity, now it can be solitary, immediate, and difficult for loved ones to monitor. 

This digital shift accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the closure of betting shops and sporting events led many regular gamblers to move to online platforms. For some, this period marked an increase in riskier online behaviours, contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and financial strain among those already vulnerable.

The “grey zone” between fun and harm

One of the most challenging aspects of gambling is the “grey zone”, the space between casual enjoyment and harmful behaviour. People can experience serious negative consequences without meeting the strict criteria for gambling disorder. This includes mounting debt, secretive behaviour, chasing losses, or mood changes linked to betting.

Psychologically, gambling activates the brain’s reward system in a way that is similar to substances such as alcohol or drugs. A near-win or a small win releases dopamine, reinforcing the behaviour and encouraging repetition. Combined with the secrecy and stigma surrounding gambling, this creates a powerful cycle that many struggle to recognise or break.

Gambling and mental health, a two-way street

Gambling does not exist in isolation. It often co-occurs with mental health difficulties. Many individuals gamble to escape feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness, finding temporary relief but long term harm. Financial pressures and relational tension compound emotional distress, creating a vicious cycle of shame and guilt.

Emerging UK research highlights the serious consequences of untreated gambling problems. The risks include worsening mental health, social isolation, and in some cases, suicidal ideation. Recovery requires an approach that addresses both the behaviour and its underlying emotional triggers, recognising that gambling harm is not just a financial issue but a deeply human one.

How gambling hides in our communities

Unlike alcohol or drugs, gambling problems leave no visible traces. Losses are financial, emotional, and relational. Many people continue working, parenting, and socialising, all while hiding the extent of their betting habits.

Certain groups are more vulnerable, including young men, students, lower-income workers, and increasingly older adults. The digital and instant nature of modern gambling, such as apps and online casinos, makes it easier to conceal and harder to recognise. Stigma also plays a role: admitting a gambling problem can feel like admitting personal failure, leading many to delay seeking help until harm has become severe.

Recognising the signs — in ourselves and others

Awareness is the first step toward recovery. Unlike substance addiction, gambling harm does not always present with obvious physical symptoms. Whilst every individual’s experience is unique, there are some common signs of gambling harm, or that a habit may be slipping out of control:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
• Hiding bets or lying about losses.
• Borrowing or dipping into savings to fund gambling.
• Mood swings, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends and family.
• Thinking constantly about gambling or chasing losses.

Recognising these signs early, either in yourself or someone you care about, allows intervention before the harm escalates.

Recovery, connection, and hope

The good news is that recovery is possible. Gambling disorder is treatable, and support exists for everyone, whether the harm is just emerging or more advanced. Community and connection are central to sustainable recovery. Sharing experiences, joining support groups, or engaging in treatment programmes can break the cycle of shame and isolation.

In the UK, support organisations such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous UK, and NHS Gambling Clinics provide confidential advice, counselling, and therapy. 

At Ibiza Calm, we offer residential treatment for gambling addiction, combining cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and group connection. Our holistic approach addresses not just the behaviour but the underlying emotional and psychological drivers, fostering long term recovery and wellbeing.

Moving beyond the bet

Gambling harm can affect anyone, from students navigating loans and social pressures to professionals and retirees. What matters is recognising when a pastime is no longer harmless and knowing that support is available. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering supportive communities, we can ensure that people struggling with gambling are no longer invisible but supported, understood, and empowered to recover.

If you or someone you love is becoming preoccupied with gambling, needing to wager increasing amounts to feel the same thrill, struggling to cut back, or turning to gambling as a way to cope with stress or low mood, it may be a sign that help is needed. 

Likewise, secrecy around gambling, withdrawing from social connections, prioritising betting over responsibilities, or experiencing growing financial pressures (such as debt, borrowing, or resorting to dishonest means to access funds) can all indicate that a habit has crossed into harmful territory. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, Ibiza Calm offers confidential support and evidence-based treatment for gambling addiction and co-occurring mental health difficulties. Reaching out for support early can make a profound difference.