Health watchdog: ‘GPs should screen patients for gambling problems’

Patients could be routinely screened for gambling addiction as part of their health check when registering with a GP surgery, under new proposals from the UK healthcare watchdog.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidance, which is open for consultation until November, recommends that medical professionals ask patients about gambling in addition to questioning them on alcohol and smoking habits.

The guidance suggests that patients with mental health issues, addictions, or financial concerns are specifically questioned about betting. Those deemed to be “experiencing harm” from gambling would then be directed to different methods of help, such as support groups or addiction clinics, depending on the level of concern.

‘Dark place’

Recovering addict David Quinti, who lost £30,000 on bets, visited his GP about depression and mentioned the amount of time he spent gambling. But his GP only focused on addressing his alcohol problem.

Quinti reflected: “I was in a dark place. I was gambling most of the day, and at work. I kept it hidden from everyone and became a very good liar.”

Eventually, he gave up betting after his eight-year-old son asked him to stop. He says: “The thought of what I could have lost means I’ve never relapsed”.

NHS

In July, the NHS announced that it will be expanding its services to support gambling addicts following soaring demand.

Nearly 1,400 people were referred for help last year, a rise of one-third on the previous year and nearly 80 per cent higher than two years ago.

The fifteen clinics are designed to help treat around 3,000 betting addicts per year through cognitive behavioural therapy and support groups.