Academics to Identify Trends and Warning Signs of Gambling-Related Suicide

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: March 27, 2023

Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue, and the potential link between gambling and suicide has been a subject of research for many years. The UK Gambling Commission and Greo Evidence Insights have teamed up to address this critical issue and provide funding opportunities for research projects focused on gambling-related suicide or suicidal ideation.

The groups have stated that they will provide grants to academics who can more clearly explain the link between gambling and suicide. To better understand how people experience suicidality related to gambling, as well as to recognize warning signs and crucial intervention points, they are looking for proposals.

Research that identifies key trends, explains contributing and mitigating circumstances specifically related to gambling-related suicide, and develops an understanding of the function of gambling products, including advertising and marketing strategies, in problem gambling will also receive funding.

Grants Available for UK-Based Institutions Conducting Research Into Gambling-Related Suicide

The grant applications should concentrate on gambling-related suicide research in the UK, even though Greo Evidence is a Canadian research organization. By providing the funds through the commission’s National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms in Great Britain, the UKGC has demonstrated its commitment to resolving this pressing problem. However, Andrew Rhodes has been criticised for not doing enough, and for not visiting the families of those who have committed suicide due to gambling addiction.

The action is being taken as the UK government intensifies its campaign against problem gambling. 2018 saw a significant reduction in the maximum bet for slot-like fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), which were widespread in high street betting shops throughout the UK, from £100 to just £2. The regulatory changes have resulted in the closure of hundreds of high street betting shops and have been successful in reducing gambling harms.

Even though the UK government has taken action to address problem gambling, unbiased research based on information from industry players can shed light on the connection between gambling and suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or actual suicide. Greo has recognized that player data can be hard to access, but the potential insights that it can provide make it worthwhile to find ways to access and analyse this data.

Research Aims to Shed Light on Link Between Problem Gambling and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions

Greo has allocated £350,000 for quantitative grants and £600,000 for qualitative research, indicating the seriousness of the issue. The funding will be awarded to UK-based institutions such as universities, participating members of the National Health Services of England and Wales, or not-for-profit research organisations.

The gambling industry has long been criticised for fuelling problem gambling, and this funding opportunity is a significant step forward in addressing the issue of gambling-related suicide. With research programs funded by the UKGC and Greo Evidence Insights, researchers will be better equipped to understand and address the complex issues surrounding problem gambling and its potential links to suicide. The hope is that this research will lead to effective interventions that can better protect problem gamblers in the future.