GamCare tackles gambling harm in criminal justice system

Interventions Alliance partners with GamCare to find the link between crime and gambling

In order to confront gambling-related harms within Britain's criminal justice system, GamCare has teamed up with Interventions Alliance for a new initiative. This partnership comes months after GamCare partnered with Rank and after a 2017 study found a higher rate of gambling-related harm among UK prison populations.

GamCare will use this opportunity to test and try a brand-new approach to support people with gambling issues with the programme offering eight cognitive behavioural therapy sessions (CBT). These will be done in a group setting and focus on exploring harmful gambling and the link between crime and gambling.

“Delighted,” says Interventions Alliance

Suki Binning, Chief Social Worker and Executive Director, Interventions Alliance, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with GamCare as we believe there is vital work to be done to support those in the Criminal Justice System who have a gambling addiction.”

“Research on gambling addictions show that those with a gambling addiction are more likely to commit crime, so this intervention is one part of the solution.”

“Have a significant impact on improving the mental health,” says Interventions Alliance

Binning continued: “This programme will offer the structured support that those with a gambling addiction desperately need. Our specialists will help participants to recognise their addiction and its impact, including the risks to those around them and themselves.”

“This programme could therefore have a significant impact on improving the mental health of participants, as part of our overall approach to reducing re-offending.”

“Excited to work with Interventions Alliance,” says GamCare

Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, added: “We are excited to work with Interventions Alliance on this new partnership. It provides a valuable opportunity to build on the work we already do, combining our gambling support with their criminal justice and offending behaviour expertise.”

She added: “We hope this new programme will help tackle the stigma and ultimately reduce gambling-related harm in the Criminal Justice System and, by extension, the community.”