Gambling addiction is an often-overlooked issue within the South Asian community in the UK, yet its impact is deeply felt by individuals and families.
Cultural taboos, social stigma, and a lack of awareness often prevent open discussions and timely intervention, exacerbating the financial, emotional, and mental toll of the addiction.
For many, gambling becomes a coping mechanism for stress, isolation, or mental health struggles, but its hidden nature, especially with the rise of online platforms, makes it harder to recognise and address.
A YouGov survey commissioned by GamCare revealed that 41% of Asians/Asian British placed a bet in the last 12 months, compared to 60% of white respondents.
The study highlighted troubling disparities: 24% of Asians needed larger bets to achieve the same excitement (vs 13% of whites), 33% returned to recoup losses (vs 20%), and 19% borrowed money or sold belongings to gamble (vs 9%).
Additionally, 14% of Asians reported gambling-related expenses affecting their ability to meet essential needs like food, rent, or bills, nearly double the 8% of white respondents facing similar issues.
As the problem continues to grow in areas with large South Asian populations, a critical need exists for culturally sensitive support and greater community awareness to break the cycle of silence and provide meaningful solutions.
Addressing gambling in South Asian communities
Speaking about the challenges about gambling addiction in the South Asian community, CEO of Gordon Moody (non-profit organisation that tackles gambling related harm) Monica Shafaq said, “The challenge is that many people are unaware of the support available for gambling addiction. While resources for issues like drug or alcohol addiction are more widely known, gambling support often isn’t. To address this, our sector must actively promote services within communities, rather than expecting individuals to seek help. This includes engaging with religious institutions, community centres, and other gathering places. Additionally, it's crucial that organisations reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. If an organisation supporting gambling addiction has staff that lacks cultural representation, such as being predominantly white or homogenous in other ways, it can deter people from seeking help. Encouraging more people from the Asian community to work in this sector is essential to build trust and ensure that support is accessible and culturally sensitive. Seeking help for any addiction requires courage, and individuals need to feel understood and comfortable with the organisations they approach.
“Another challenge is that, unlike alcohol or drug addiction, there are no obvious physical signs. A person can be struggling with gambling, but it’s often hidden because there are no outward indicators, unlike when someone is visibly drunk or high. In our community, gambling during festivals like Diwali might be seen as a social activity, but when this ‘fun’ starts affecting a person’s life, it becomes a problem. We’re not an anti-gambling organisation; we believe it’s fine to engage in social gambling as long as it’s done responsibly. The issue arises when gambling starts impacting a person’s life, and this is something many may not recognise until it’s too late. There is a clear need for more awareness about the harms of gambling and how it can affect individuals and families,” she added.
Monica emphasised on how family members and friends can best support someone they know is suffering from gambling addiction, “Addressing gambling within our community requires a non-judgmental approach. It's often a difficult topic, but it's important to understand that there’s usually an underlying reason, such as mental health struggles or trauma, driving the behaviour. Gambling often serves as a coping mechanism. Providing support means having open, compassionate conversations where the individual feels safe and not judged—this is crucial, as fear of judgment prevents many from seeking help. It's also about guiding them gently toward professional support, whatever form that may take.”
Harj Gahley, Director of Red Card Gambling Support (provides gambling related support) once faced a £250,000 debt and a suicide attempt due to gambling addiction. After surviving that dark moment, he dedicated his life to helping others, particularly within the South Asian community, where stigma and cultural taboos often prevent open conversations and access to support. He said, “South Asians are more likely to experience gambling-related harm compared to other groups, partly due to cultural factors and social pressures. Research by YouGov shows that 1 in 5 (20%) BAME adults experience gambling problems (PGSI score of 1+), compared to 12% of white adults. While South Asians gamble less than white ethnic groups in the UK, those who do are four times more likely to suffer from gambling-related harm. Forty-two percent of gamblers from minority communities experience issues, compared to 20% of White British people. Many view gambling as a coping mechanism, with minority groups three times more likely than white groups to do so. The shame and stigma around gambling in South Asian families often delay intervention, exacerbating financial and emotional damage. This issue disproportionately affects South Asian men, impacting families across generations. A lack of culturally tailored gambling support services leaves many struggling to find help, intensifying feelings of guilt and isolation, and worsening mental health.”
A spokesperson from GamCare (Charity supports anyone suffering from gambling related problems) said, "Gambling addiction is a complex issue that can deeply affect individuals and their families. The impacts of gambling extend beyond financial losses, with many people finding themselves caught in cycles of debt, shame, and secrecy. For families, the ripple effects can be significant. They may experience emotional distress, strained relationships, and mental health issues as they grapple with the consequences of gambling-related harm. This is compounded by the stigma often surrounding gambling, which can discourage open discussions and seeking support.
We encourage you to talk to a friend or family member. Sharing concerns with someone you trust can be an important first step. If you’re not ready to open up to someone you know, you can also speak confidentially to someone for non-judgmental advice by calling GamCare’s free National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Community leaders need to raise awareness about gambling addiction
An ex-gambling addict, Rahul* highlighted the hidden nature of online gambling, as many assume individuals are simply using their phones for social media or browsing. He said, “Even though apps exist to block gambling sites, addicts often find ways to bypass these restrictions. This makes it harder for families to recognise the problem. Community leaders, especially in places of worship like Gurudwaras, Masjids, and Temples, need to raise awareness. In areas with large South Asian populations, like Southall and Wembley, the issue is growing but remains hard to tackle. While awareness is important, the real challenge is helping those who aren't ready to seek help. The accessibility and targeted advertising, particularly to younger people, make the problem worse. Sadly, gambling is rarely addressed in Asian media, and when it is, it's infrequent.”
Sharing advice for those who are silently struggling, Rahul said, “Be honest with yourself. Money is hard-earned and easy to lose. I’ve lost my life savings, jobs, and relationships. Seek help—resources like the national gambling helpline are available 24/7. Don’t be ashamed to reach out or talk to your family. Gambling addiction is often seen as greed, but it’s often tied to mental health issues like depression or trauma. For me, it was an escape, but you can only run from reality for so long. Community organisations must recognise our cultural needs, such as dietary requirements and the ability to pray. Many hesitate to seek help due to stigma, but we need to stop judging and start supporting each other. We owe it to ourselves and the wider community."
*Name changed for anonymity
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A healthier 2025 for South Asians
While gambling addiction is a pressing concern within the South Asian community, it is not the only health issue affecting its members.
South Asians are disproportionately impacted by a range of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, skin conditions and many others. South Asians are particularly at risk, being at least twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other groups, according to the British Heart Foundation.
A 2024 study by UC Davis and Oregon Health & Science University found that minoritised racial and ethnic groups face disparities in dementia care, including delayed diagnoses, fewer prescriptions for anti-dementia medications, and higher rates of hospitalisation and aggressive treatments compared to non-Hispanic white individuals.
Cultural, genetic, and lifestyle factors often play a role, highlighting the need for tailored healthcare approaches and greater awareness within the community.
As 2025 begins, Asian Voice brings you a special health feature (from page 15 to 17) designed to help you stay fit and embrace a healthier lifestyle. From expert advice to tackling common health challenges within the South Asian community, this feature offers practical tips and insights to support your well-being throughout the year.
Let’s make 2025 a year of wellness and vitality!
