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Press release: 03/02/2025
A leading London psychiatrist has called for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements and greater support for those affected by gambling harm.
This is the view of Dr Daniel Masud, Consultant Psychiatrist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, London.
He added “This is vital when considering the rise in match betting schemes being advertised as a "get rich quick" strategy and propelling vulnerable young adults into difficulty.”
He also called for parents, teachers and the wider community to enter the discussion, to assist young people to make the right decisions and not get into a downward gambling spiral.
“We need to start conversations about gambling in schools and communities, helping people understand the risks and recognise the signs of addiction,” he says.
Recent statistics paint a troubling picture. According to the UK Gambling Commission, approximately 1.4 million people in the UK are classified as problem gamblers, with a further 1.5 million at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
The rise of online gambling has made the issue worse, with 44% of gamblers now using mobile apps to place bets. The convenience of these platforms means that individuals can gamble anytime, anywhere, often without the knowledge of their loved ones.
Dr Masud says the stigma surrounding gambling addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help, leaving them trapped in a cycle of secrecy and shame.
The accessibility of gambling sites has also transformed family dynamics in subtle yet profound ways. At family gatherings, it’s not uncommon to see loved ones distracted by their phones or tablets.
The sheer volume of gambling adverts makes the problem worse. A 2023 study by the University of Bristol found that young people are exposed to an average of 11 gambling ads per week, with many of these appearing on social media platforms popular among teenagers.
This constant exposure normalises gambling and can lead to early experimentation, setting the stage for potential addiction later in life.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach and Dr Masud emphasises the importance of education and early intervention.
The government has taken some steps in this direction, with the introduction of affordability checks and limits on online stakes. However, critics argue that these measures don’t go far enough.
As Dr Masud points out: “While these changes are a step in the right direction, we need to do more to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure gambling companies are held accountable for the harm they cause.”
Ultimately, the fight against gambling addiction is not just about policy changes; it’s about changing attitudes.
By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can help those affected feel less isolated and more empowered to seek help.
Dr Masud added “To shift the responsibility for detection of behaviour that can help an addict at the early stages to GPs is deeply unfair, with the limited time they can spare with each patient.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach”, he goes on to say.
He encouraged friends and family to watch for the signs and be inquisitive if they are concerned someone is becoming a gambling addict, and for people to openly talk more about money and financial well-being as an inroad to deeper discussion on these challenging topics.
He said: “It’s up to all of us to show a real interest in the welfare of our friends and family.
People who are gambling addicts commonly only ask for help once it’s reached crisis point due to the shame or lack of insight – we want to get there much sooner than that.”
For more information about the work of Schoen Clinic Chelsea, please call 020 3146 2300 or visit its website at https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/chelsea
ENDS
High-resolution pictures are available on request.
About Schoen Clinic UK Group
The Schoen Clinic Group was founded in 1985 and has since developed into Germany's fifth-largest privately-owned hospital group. It currently treats 300,000+ patients annually at 46 hospitals and clinics in Germany and the UK. The group also includes the leading online telemedicine clinic: MindDoc.
Schoen Clinic entered the UK healthcare market in 2017 providing award-winning, expert-led healthcare super-specialising in certain areas of medicine – now mental health and wellbeing, including dementia care.
About Dr Masud
Dr Daniel Masud, BMBS, BMedSci (Hons), MRCPsych is a Consultant General & Addictions Psychiatrist, and ADHD Specialist.
He has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as specialised services. He honed his skills through training in Nottingham, where he held diverse specialist positions alongside experts in the field, earning an endorsement in Addiction Psychiatry.
Throughout his professional journey, he has assumed various senior leadership roles within the NHS and private sector as a Consultant in General Adult and Addiction Psychiatry.
Media contact
Rodney Kumar: PR Manager, WSA Communications
Phone: 01908 371177