Research has shown a clear association between gambling and suicide.
One of Samaritans’ priority issues in 2019 was addressing and gaining a greater understanding of gambling related harm. In July 2019, we announced that we were working with the Gambling Commission and the gambling charity GamCare to develop guidance for gambling operators on responsible action in response to suicide risks, with the aim of strengthening the requirements on the gambling industry to identify those at risk and to take action to address and reduce harm.
We also developed guidance available to operators around suicide prevention, establishing a toolkit that includes a training module for the industry that sits within GamCare’s existing suite of resources. As a priority issue, undertook more research on gambling related harm in order to be better informed on what needs to be done to protect and support people.
Our best practice guidance for the gambling industry to help gambling businesses understand and adopt practical steps to prevent gambling-related suicide was published in April 2021. Read more here.
Separately to this, PPB (Paddy Power Betfair) selected Samaritans as their Charity of the Year in April after members of its head office staff chose to support us. As well as their dedicated fundraising for Samaritans until April 2020, we worked with PPB to share our insight and expertise to inform their activity on reducing gambling harm and supporting vulnerable customers.
Samaritans also helped to improve the mental wellbeing of Paddy Power Betfair’s head office staff through our Wellbeing in the Workplace training and resources. These promote wellbeing, boost resilience and will equip their staff with the skills and confidence to support anyone in distress.
We believe our work in the gambling industry will contribute towards our vision of reducing the number of deaths by suicide, and will help Samaritans continue to deliver our vital service which provides support to anyone struggling to cope, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.