The Social Market Foundation (SMF) has called on the UK government to embed gambling harm prevention into national public health policy, arguing that the issue should be addressed in the same way as alcohol misuse, smoking and substance addiction.
The proposal comes shortly after the think tank advocated for higher taxes on Category B gaming machines, continuing its push for stronger gambling regulation and broader harm prevention measures across the country.
According to the SMF, the UK’s current approach focuses too heavily on supporting people after gambling-related harm has already occurred rather than preventing problems from developing in the first place. The organisation believes gambling-related questions should become a routine part of patient assessments carried out by frontline health and support services.
The think tank is also calling for greater involvement from local authorities and public services, arguing that healthcare workers, social care providers and third-sector organisations should receive improved training to identify gambling-related harm earlier and connect people with appropriate support.
SMF noted that while official estimates indicate around 2.7% of UK adults experience problem gambling, preventative measures remain inconsistent and many frontline professionals lack the expertise, resources or systems needed to identify individuals at risk. It also highlighted pressures such as long waiting lists and fragmented services as barriers to effective intervention.
To support its recommendations, the think tank pointed to international examples. New Zealand has incorporated gambling harm into its national public health strategy since 2003, with routine screening, assessment and intervention delivered through healthcare services.
The SMF also referenced Norway’s recently adopted four-year national action plan, which expands gambling harm prevention beyond healthcare by providing specialised training to employees in banks, sports clubs, leisure organisations, debt advice services and child welfare agencies.
The recommendations arrive during a period of significant change for Britain’s gambling sector. Earlier this month, the UK Gambling Commission confirmed it will proceed with the phased rollout of Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs), designed to help operators identify high-spending customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. The regulator has described the rollout as a gradual, evidence-based process following consultation and pilot testing.
The Gambling Commission has consistently stated that protecting children and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm remains one of its three core licensing objectives, alongside ensuring gambling is fair and crime-free.