ADAMSON LEADS DEBATE ON PROBLEM GAMBLING
- clareadamsonmsp
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
SNP MSP Clare Adamson led a Holyrood debate on problem gambling and public health.
Problem gambling can cause massive impacts on finances, health, and wellbeing. People experiencing problem gambling face stigmatisation and this can put-off people from seeking support when it’s needed.
In 2021, more than half of adults reported taking part in any gambling activity in the previous year (58%) and around 55,000 people are estimated to be experiencing severe gambling problems, with a further 3.8% at risk of developing gambling-related issues, according to the Scottish Health Survey 2020.
Ms Adamson also hosted a session in the Scottish Parliament encouraging MSPs to speak with support organisations and people with lived experience of problem gambling on May 22nd.
Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said:
“Gambling takes many forms and includes scratch cards, lottery, bingo, games on mobile devices as well as the more traditional sports betting and casino games.
“Problem gambling causes serious individual harm but it also has wider impacts on families and communities. Loss of employment, debt, deterioration of physical and mental health and this can lead to increased risk of suicide among individuals affected by problem gambling.
“It’s estimated that 6 people are directly affected by the person experiencing gambling harms. Women are more likely to be an affected other.
“And we know that financial desperation is linked with crime. GamCare’s Annual Statistics report shows more than 50% of individuals seeking help for problem gambling also reported committing criminal acts to fund gambling activities.
“I am keen to lead this debate to frame problem gambling as a public health issue which requires a public health, person-centred response.
“We need to look again at regulation and our public health approach given the unprecedented variety of websites, social media platforms, marketing campaigns, and apps with algorithms designed to keep you hooked despite the public health problems.
“It is easy to access addictive gambling apps. It needs to be easy to access support services for people who require it – free from judgement.”
Thursday’s event, which follows the debate, will bring together organisations which support people experiencing problem gambling.
Led by GamCare, who run the National Gambling Helpline, attending are: The Simon Community; RCA Trust; Fast Forward; Cyrenians; John Hartson Foundation; and people with lived experience of problem gambling.
You can reach out day or night for free information, support and advice on problem gambling by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or by visiting gamcare.org.uk
Clare Adamson MSP Debate Motion – 21 May 2025
Our team provide a full range of free, flexible help and support for anyone affected by gambling problems across Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire. We support gamblers and their loved ones.
We are the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland. We are a homelessness charity, but more importantly we’re a team of people dedicated to meeting other people exactly where they are. We’re here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so people can explore options and take the next steps towards a happier, safer future.
Free one-to-one support in harm-reduction, abstinence and aftercare for people impacted by their gambling, LGBT + and Parents Group Support as well as support for those impacted by someone else's gambling.
We offer free, confidential gambling support across 28 local authorities in Scotland through personalised one-to-one counselling, group sessions and family interventions, all tailored to individual needs. Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed practice, creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for recovery. Operating within a recovery-oriented system of care, we focus on holistic, person-centred support that promotes long-term recovery and wellbeing.
We work to raise awareness, educate and prevent harm from gambling and gaming. We offer free workshops and resources for children, young people, families, practitioners and communities. We also offer funding for groups to create peer education resources around gaming and gambling.
Lived Experience
We will have Cat Cochrane, who is writer and producer coming along to the event. Cat has lived experience of gambling harms and will be doing a live reading of a poem which details her story. She is happy to talk to anyone about her journey through recovery and what impact gambling had on her life.
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