Gambling

Online gambling, such as bingo, poker, and sports betting, is now easy to access and often promoted as a normal way to relax or socialise. While many students gamble occasionally without problems, it can sometimes become hard to control, especially during stressful times like exams, financial pressure, or feeling isolated. You might notice it starting to affect your wellbeing if you feel a strong urge to keep gambling, spend more money than you planned, or find yourself worrying about losses. Even if it doesn’t feel like an addiction, gambling can still impact your finances, relationships, and mental health.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and support is available. Money worries or debt linked to gambling can bring up feelings of stress, shame, or guilt, which can make it harder to reach out. These feelings are valid, but you deserve support without judgement.

If you choose to gamble, these steps can help you stay in control:

  • Set a budget before you start and stick to it
  • Only use money you can afford to lose, never money meant for rent, food, or bills
  • Avoid chasing losses, trying to win money back often leads to bigger losses
  • Limit your time, set reminders or time limits on apps
  • Take breaks and keep balance with study, socialising, and rest
  • Check in with your mood, avoid gambling when stressed, low, or under the influence
  • Use safety tools like deposit limits, reality checks, or self-exclusion schemes

 There are a lot of support options available to you below:

GamCare (free, confidential support)

GamCare is the UK’s leading charity offering free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harms. They offer:

  • 24/7 support: Run the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), plus live chat and WhatsApp, available anytime.
  • Advice and emotional support: Offer non-judgemental guidance for individuals, and for friends or family by gambling.
  • Free treatment: Provide counselling and structured support (online, phone, or face-to-face), including therapy and recovery programmes.
  • Peer support: Online forums, chatrooms, and group sessions to connect with others going through similar experiences.
  • Self-help tools: Apps and resources to track habits, manage urges, and reduce or stop gambling.
  • Referral and signposting: Help people access specialist services, including NHS treatment and debt advice

YGAM

YGAM provides free education, training, and resources to help students and those around them understand gaming and gambling risks, spot early warning signs, and reduce harm. They focus on prevention and awareness, working with universities to deliver student‑focused guidance, peer support, and practical tools to stay safe and make informed choices

UBHeard

University life is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Available for ALL registered University of Birmingham students, UBHeard is a free confidential listening support service that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

If you’re in the UK, access the free UBHeard service by calling the 24/7 confidential helpline on 0800 917 9379 (Freephone UK*) to speak to a trained counsellor.

As well as access to an online portal, you can also download the free Wisdom App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for a range of features including contacting a dedicated wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls. This is ideal for UoB students not in the UK and replaces the international number. Wherever you are in the world, this makes accessing the service easier and more accessible.

  1. Download the app or log in using this online link
  2. Enter the UoB unique code: MHA323213 (only required on initial sign-up)
  3. You’ll then need to set up a profile adding in your details such as name, date of birth and a contact number.
  4. The icon in the top righthand side can be used for accessibility requirements and if you’d like to change the default language.

 

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