Gambling support

For some people gambling is not a harmful activity, but it can become a serious problem.

Gambling can be a fun way to pass the time, perhaps when you're at base or in a group. However, gambling also has the potential to cause a variety of negative impacts if it becomes a way to cope with boredom, loneliness, anger, stress or anxiety. Over time, the more you gamble, the more you're likely to lose – and this might not be just money.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is working with GamCare and AnonyMind to raise awareness of when gambling can become a problem and to help serving personnel and their loved ones to get help if and when they need it.

Is my gambling a problem?

If you're not sure whether gambling is a problem for you, answer these quick questions. In the last 12 months, have you

• Bet more than you can afford to lose?
• Needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?
• Tried to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?
• Borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
• Wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?
• Has your gambling caused you any health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?
• Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem (regardless of whether or not you thought it was true)?
• Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
• Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have a problem with gambling. Overcoming these problems is possible. If you are worried, or you feel that your gambling is starting to get out of control, help and support is available. 

How can I get help?

The RAF Benevolent Fund has partnered with AnonyMind to provide free access to psychological therapy treatments to help people overcome gambling problems, manage behaviours, and move on with their lives. AnonyMind offer access to a team of caring, professional gambling addiction recovery therapists. All therapy is done through online video calls, you don't need to travel anywhere, and all of your information is kept secure and will not be shared with anyone without your consent.

You can self-refer to this service using the following link. This is an anonymous service, and the RAF Benevolent Fund will not have access to your details.  

Get help today

Alternative support is available from:

• GamCare - It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
• The NHS runs the National Problem Gambling Clinic and the National Centre for Gaming Disorders.
• Gamblers Anonymous.
• GamStop - A free tool that allows people to self-exclude from all GB-licensed gambling websites and apps. 

How can I keep myself safe

GamCare Support Services

If at any time you feel like gambling may be becoming an issue, you can talk to GamCare – they are here to help. GamCare offer free information, advice and support for anyone negatively impacted by gambling, both gamblers or others affected by another’s gambling. They operate the GB National Gambling Helpline, and a range of Online services, including, phone support and via web chat, plus a moderated online Forum and daily chatrooms where you can talk online to others in similar situations. These services are available every day 24/7. Take a look at our web page on the GamCare website or call an advisor on the National Gambling Helpline, on 0808 802 199 or via web chat. 

GamStop 

GamStop is a national online self-exclusion scheme aiming to help individuals who have issues with gambling addiction. Simply, users can voluntarily block themselves from accessing all participating online gambling websites for a specified period. GamStop can be a helpful tool for those who want to regain control by helping them limit their access to online gambling websites. Thus, breaking the habit. Find out more about GamStop here. 

Gambling and Wellbeing Research

Our report Gambling and Wellbeing in the RAF is the first research to look exclusively at the extent of gambling as an issue among serving RAF personnel, as well as other related health and wellbeing issues such as alcohol use and mental health. The report also explores how members of the RAF community can be better supported. For the first time, it sheds a detailed light on gambling and associated wellbeing issues within a single service. 

• Gambling and Wellbeing in the RAF (PDF 877 KB)

Worried about debt?

If you have concerns about your finances, there are other organisations who can provide free money and debt advice.

• The Royal British Legion Benefits, Debt and Money Advice Service 0808 802 8080
• National Debt Line 0808 808 4000
• Money Advice Service – set up by the government to provide free and impartial money advice – 0800 138 7777