Report exposes harms of gambling in prisons

A new report is calling for urgent reforms to address harmful levels of gambling among prisoners and those on probation

A hand with a dabber filling in a bingo card

The researchers suggest that legal gaming activities like Bingo can be harmful for those in prison recovering from gambling

By sharing our findings, we hope to inform meaningful reforms within HMPPS and community services that reduce reoffending and improve lives.

Sarah Page, Associate Professor in Social Justice and Social Learning

Research by the Centre for Crime Justice and Security at University of Staffordshire examined gambling behaviours and support needs in 15 prisons and 23 probation offices across England and Wales, between 2022 and 2024.

One of the largest studies of its kind, the research was collectively funded by GamCare and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS).

Associate Professor Sarah Page, who led the research, said: “Gambling harm is a somewhat hidden crisis affecting people across our prisons and probation services. Our research highlights the urgent need for consistent, effective support services for those harmed by gambling — whether directly or indirectly.” 

Conversational data was collected with people in prison and on probation, including those who have gambled and those affected by a loved one’s gambling. HMPPS staff and voluntary sector service providers also provided feedback.

Findings show that up to 41% of people under probation supervision reported regular gambling, The research notes that there were some serious consequences – including debt, homelessness, family breakdown, poor mental health and suicidal thoughts. The report also highlights how gambling harms not only the person gambling, but also their families, with women especially vulnerable to financial struggles and domestic abuse linked to a partner’s gambling. As such, the research calls for affected other support being offered within the criminal justice system.

In the prison system, some women reported offending as a direct result of their own gambling addiction or the fallout from a loved one’s debts.

The report calls for improved sentencing guidance around gambling-related crimes, better tools to identify gambling harms, and urgent investment in care pathways and staff training across the criminal justice system.

Today, Tuesday 20 May 2025, the report’s findings were shared with partners across the criminal justice sector and public health professionals.

“By sharing our findings, we hope to inform meaningful reforms within HMPPS and community services that reduce reoffending and improve lives,” commented Associate Professor Sarah Page.

“Importantly, we hope for consistent and improved services for people experiencing gambling related harms and their loved ones. We are delighted to already be working with partners from the HMPPS Gambling Harms Strategy Group to improve care pathways, including sharing our research knowledge with staff on the ground. We hope our that HMPPS and GamCare commissioners can use this information to take things forward.”

Read the full report – Gambling Harms and the Criminal Justice System.

If you are affected by gambling related harms, please contact GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential support on 0808 8020 133.

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