Gambling and homelessness

What is the relationship between addiction and homelessness?

Addictions can take many forms, but they all share a key feature: a person continues a behavior or use of substance despite harmful consequences. The link between addiction (in any form) and homelessness is complex and two-way. Addictions can lead to homelessness by resulting in financial instability, family conflict, criminalisation and a decline in mental and physical health. Experiencing homelessness can also lead to, or worsen addiction, with people seeking out activities as a coping mechanism. 

What is the relationship between gambling and homelessness?

For some, gambling can lead to financial instability and mounting debt, which could damage relationships and contribute to someone becoming homeless. For others, the traumatic experience of becoming homeless can increase the likelihood of using gambling as a coping strategy or a way to get money quickly. Factors such as poverty, mental health, and substance use can all impact on someone choosing to gamble.

Why might someone gamble?

People gamble for many reasons beyond simply trying to win money. Some use gambling as a form of escapism, to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or boredom, while others may be drawn by the excitement and thrill of taking risks. Gambling can also offer social connection, a sense of routine, or the hope of solving financial problems quickly. For people experiencing homelessness, gambling venues can provide shelter, and access to a toilet, with many casinos and betting shops open 24/7. 

When does gambling become an addiction?

For some, gambling is purely a form of entertainment, rather than a source of stress or harm. However, gambling can become an addiction when it starts to affect your health, relationships, and leave you in debt. Someone may have a gambling addiction if they:

• Spend more money on gambling than they can afford
• Prioritise gambling over things like working or spending time with family
• Feel anxious or stressed about the gambling
• Use gambling to deal with any difficult emotions

What are the signs that could suggest someone has a gambling addiction?

• Repeated requests for money without clear reasons
• Large or unexplained debts
• Selling items – even for very small amounts
• Secrecy – unwillingness to talk about money or how money is spent
• Increased anxiety about money
• Mood swings – negative/irritability following a loss, or positive following a win

How can frontline workers support people affected by gambling?

Ask about gambling

• Find a private, calm setting where the person feels safe
• Use open ended questions to encourage people to share their experiences e.g., “Can you tell me a bit about how you’ve been managing your money recently?”
• Be non-judgmental, e.g., “Could you tell me about how gambling affects your day-to-day life?”
• Show empathy and validate their feelings, e.g., “It sounds like this has been really stressful for you. I’m here to support.”
• Offer support & provide options to promote choice and control

Refer to specialist services

Organisations should develop referral pathways with organisations who provide debt advice, as well as support for those with a gambling addiction.

GamCare provides gambling harm support through a national gambling helpline. Calls are free and the support is available 24/7: 0808 8020 133. There are also options for chat online, and via WhatsApp, with links to access this on their website.

GamCare also has an online recovery toolkit with practical tips and resources to help individuals change their relationship with gambling.

Further resources

• Listen to our podcast episode on Gambling and Homelessness, available here
• Research by the University of Lincoln was conducted on gambling and homelessness, which has resulted in several resources being created: an information sheet, screening tool, and resource sheet. These are available as appendices at the end of this report.
• StepChange is a charity which offers free, confidential debt advice.
• To locate support services near you, use the GambleAware Service Finder, which provides a directory of free and confidential services across the UK.