More people in the UK are asking for help after gambling losses, based on new figures from GamCare and PayPlan. The latest data points to rising pressure on household finances and a growing need for gambling losses support. Both organisations say more people are coming forward for guidance on debt and money problems linked to gambling.

• GamCare said 1,954 people used its Money Guidance Service in 2025 after experiencing gambling losses, up from 923 in 2024, a 112% increase year-on-year. The charity also reported that total debt disclosed through the service reached more than GBP 7.2m (ca. EUR 8.3m) This compares with over GBP 2.8m (ca. EUR 3.2m) in 2024, highlighting rising demand for gambling losses support.

• The average level of debt per person also increased during the period. GamCare said individuals reported average debts of GBP 21,269 (ca. EUR 24,616) in 2025, compared with GBP 13,876 (ca. EUR 16,061) the year before. Overall, reported debt rose by 153%, gindicating more severe financial pressure among those seeking help.

• January 2026 saw record activity across both organisations. GamCare recorded 233 people seeking support for gambling-related losses in the month, nearly triple the figure from January 2025. PayPlan also reported 21,000 contacts in January, a 22% year-on-year rise, with more cases linked to gambling losses support needs.

• Referrals between the two organisations continued to grow in 2025. PayPlan received 243 referrals from GamCare, up from 181 in 2024, a 34% increase year-on-year. Emma Gibbons of PayPlan said: “We’re seeing first-hand how gambling-related harm is increasingly linked to debt,” while GamCare noted ongoing demand for its support services.

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