Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen joined MPs and bereaved families in Westminster to raise awareness of the impact of gambling-linked suicide.
The Gambling with Lives Annual Parliamentary Forum was hosted by MP Abtisam Mohamed at the House of Commons and enabled parliamentarians and national safety leaders to meet families bereaved by gambling suicide.
Unlike other gambling charities, Gambling with Lives supports the families and friends of those who have taken their lives through gambling.
It was founded by families for families and offers an array of support services including analysis of banking and gambling data, support through inquests including help with accessing legal representation and assistance with lodging concerns with the gambling regulator or other governmental/public bodies.
Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, and Liz Ritchie, co-founder of Gambling with Lives, were among those speaking at the event.
The PCC met the parents of Kimberly Wadsworth who took her life at the age of 32.
She had begun gambling on fixed odds betting terminals and in casinos before moving on to play online games where she was given VIP access.
As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ (APCC) Joint Addictions Lead, the PCC has fought vigorously for tougher regulation of the industry to hold the sector to account for the consequences of gambling harm, including lobbying for improved betting rules to protect problem gamblers and safeguard children from being drawn into gambling addiction.
She has also spearheaded sweeping local reforms in Durham which saw the force become the first in the country to sign up to the Gambling Charter.
This agreement set out the Constabulary’s commitment to work collaboratively to tackle gambling harm in the workplace and wider community.
Joy said: “There are up to 496 gambling-related suicides every year – over one every day.
“I was staggered to learn that 86% of online betting profit comes from just 5% of the gambling company’s customers, customers like Kimberly who should be better protected from unscrupulous marketing ploys encouraging them to bet much more than they can afford.
“For many individuals, gambling starts off as a harmless pastime or a way to unwind and have fun.
“However, for some, it can quickly spiral out of control and lead to a cycle of addiction and financial ruin. The constant need to chase losses and the thrill of risking more money can create a dangerous pattern that can be difficult to break.
IIt was heartbreaking to meet all the bereaved parents and partners of those are no longer with us. When families become aware of the role gambling played in a death, it can raise many questions. ‘Gambling with Lives’ can help gather information and offer support.”
Recent evidence from the Gambling Commission indicates that 2.5% of the UK population is suffering from “problem gambling” and that 44% of this population are at high risk of suicidal behaviour.
The PCC encourages anyone struggling with a gambling disorder to seek help and support at the earliest opportunity.
There are several treatment options and providers in the region who can help people overcome gambling addiction and regain control of their lives.
In an emergency, people can call the Samaritans 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week on 116 123.
If you are concerned about your mental health or feeling suicidal, please contact your GP or 111 for support. If you are imminently concerned about your safety and in crisis, call 999 or attend A&E.