Gambling-related harms: identification, assessment and management

Gambling-related harm is an emerging public health concern with wide-ranging consequences for individuals and those around them. NICE Guideline NG248 provides evidence-based recommendations on the identification, assessment, and treatment of gambling-related harms, addressing both those directly experiencing harm from gambling and those affected by someone else’s gambling.

As the global understanding of gambling evolves, the guideline emphasizes a holistic approach that recognizes the pervasive implications of gambling not only on individual health but also on familial and societal dynamics. Recent studies underscore the increasing recognition of gambling-related harm as a significant public health issue, necessitating updated frameworks that go beyond traditional metrics of problem gambling to encompass a broader spectrum of harms, including financial, psychological, and social consequences (Price et al., 2021; Raybould et al., 2021; Jeannot et al., 2021).

This guideline applies to adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as people of any age affected by another’s harmful gambling behaviour. It offers a structured approach for health and social care practitioners to support early recognition and appropriate intervention.

The guideline's revision reflects an expansion of the conceptual framework surrounding gambling harm, moving from a narrow focus on clinical diagnoses...