Published on
\n 08 January 2026<\/p>\n
Print<\/p>\n
\n Walsall residents are being encouraged to seek support if their gambling or someone else\u2019s is impacting their lives.\n <\/p>\n
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Support is available for those experiencing gambling harms.<\/p>\n
The new year period can be a challenging time for those experiencing gambling harms, financial pressures and other issues such as poor mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Local figures suggest that over 13,000 adults in Walsall are estimated to experience direct harm from gambling. When loved ones, children and friends are included, the number of people affected could be up to six times higher.<\/p>\n
According to the Gambling Commission (2023), 77% of people experiencing harms say incentives (such as free offers or bonuses) encourage them to gamble more than they want. The Gambling Commission (2024) also reports 69% of young people have seen or heard gambling adverts. Advertising and marketing can also impact choices, even without people realising it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Walsall residents can access the Council\u2019s gambling harms directory<\/a> (also available for professionals<\/a>), which includes the following three steps for positive short and long-term change:<\/p>\n \u201c Gambling harms often go unseen, affecting not just individuals but families and friends too. If gambling is causing worry about money, relationships or work, you\u2019re not alone. It is not your fault. There is help available and recovery is possible. There are free, anonymous support tools which are here to help you, as well as a range of services if you need other support. \u201c<\/p>\n Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing The following quote is based on common experiences shared by those affected by gambling harms:<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve lost my friends as I keep cancelling on them, I haven\u2019t got any money to do things. I\u2019m not present with my family. My employer is worried about me, they have scheduled a meeting with me next week, I haven\u2019t told anyone yet. My mental health has never been worse. I can\u2019t sleep. I\u2019m always on my phone. but I keep going back.\u201d<\/p>\n To access the support guides, visit the links below:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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Walsall Council<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n