NICE Recommends GPs Ask Patients About Potential Gambling Problems

_{NICE recommends UK GPs routinely ask about gambling habits to identify risks early. (Image: Julian Claxton / Alamy)}

Healthcare professionals advised to ask people about gambling at health checks and GP appointments. 

The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) has made a significant recommendation regarding the identification, assessment and management of gambling harms, including those linked to online casinos.

The recommendation is included in their first clinical guideline on gambling-related harms. NICE recommends that healthcare professionals should consider asking people about gambling when speaking to them about smoking and alcohol consumption during a health check or GP appointment.

The recommendation was published on Tuesday, January 28.

Questions to be Asked at Appointments Relating to Depression and Anxiety

The new guideline advises healthcare professionals and social service workers to ask about gambling in various situations. This includes appointments related to depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or potential addictions such as alcohol or drug dependence.

People who may be at risk are being encouraged to assess the severity of their gambling-related harms by completing a questionnaire available on the NHS website. This is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a standardised measure for at-risk behaviour.

The PGSI score of 8 or above indicates that they should seek support and treatment from a specialist gambling treatment service, while those with lower scores may also benefit from available support.

Tailored Approach for Individuals Recommended by NICE 

NICE recommends using a tailored approach to meet the needs of each person, which could include providing them with access to vocation-specific services, such as veterans’ groups, or that take account of their ethnic background and religion.  

Treatments for gambling-related harms should also be provided in separate locations from services for alcohol or substance dependence. 

The guidance recommends healthcare professionals consider involving a partner, family member or other person close to the person experiencing gambling-related harms in their treatment, if that is what they both want.  

Nice states that their guideline will help healthcare professionals and others to identify those needing help earlier and ensure they get the treatment and support they need. 

Healthcare Professionals Require Right Tools to Tackle Problems 

“Over the past few years, the NHS has made significant progress in expanding treatment for gambling addiction with the rollout of 15 specialist clinics across the country. So, if you’re worried about your gambling, there is support available, and you can directly refer yourself to your local NHS gambling clinic.”  

Baroness Welcomes Guidelines 

Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross said, "We welcome this guidance from NICE on identifying, assessing, and managing gambling-related harms, which will support those experiencing harmful gambling to get access to the right support. 

"We know that clinical treatment is not necessarily right for everyone, but it is important that there is a full spectrum of support as we strengthen treatment options.

"The government's plans to introduce a statutory levy, which will generate £100 million each year, will provide the investment needed to further expand the support and treatment on offer for those in need." added Baroness Twycross.

NHS England has opened 15 gambling clinics across the country since 2019—seven of which opened in 2024. 

These clinics are expected to see 3,000 people a year. All specialist clinics are fully NHS-commissioned and funded.