Emotional support charity Samaritans has published guidelines to help prevent gambling-related suicide.
It comes after recent research found a clear link between gambling and suicide, with people experiencing gambling-related harms more likely to also experience suicidal thoughts than the general population.
“Suicide is preventable and we know different industries need to address specific challenges in order to have effective suicide prevention practices in place. With a clear association between gambling and suicide, identifying the changes needed in the gambling environment to prevent suicide is a vital part of our work. We’re proud to publish these industry guidelines and look forward to seeing all gambling businesses engage with them in a proactive effort to do more to prevent gambling-related suicide.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. There is still much more that needs to be done within the wider gambling environment to reduce the risk of gambling-related harm, and to ensure that everyone can get the support they need. Operators following our guidelines is one positive step towards improving suicide prevention in the gambling industry and we will continue to push for action to help reduce gambling-related harms in the future,” Mubeen Bhutta, Head of Policy at Samaritans, said.
Samaritans developed these guidelines by consulting with a wide range of relevant stakeholders, including people with lived experience, other charities, health and support services and those involved in the gambling industry.