Gambling with Lives

Gambling products and industry practices – not those harmed by them – are the source of gambling harm. @Charles_GwL on @GMB earlier revealed what pioneering new research tells us about how industry products and practices contribute to suicide.

A coroner found that gambling disorder caused Stephen Goff’s death. This morning, his daughters, Madeleine and Freya, joined GwL co-founder @Charles_GwL on @GMB to speak out about their father's death and highlight the need for action to prevent more gambling suicides.

“He honestly didn’t understand” Steve Goff’s daughters, Madeleine and Freya, described on @GMB how their father was unaware of the dangers of gambling, which ultimately caused his death We need independent, public health warnings about the risks of gambling, including suicide

“This groundbreaking research is the first UK study of its kind to examine in depth how gambling contributes to suicide.” GwL co-founder @Charles_GwL on the significance of the findings being discussed today.

We’re in Westminster today for Gambling and Suicide: Time to Act. Findings from pioneering new UK research are being presented and discussed with bereaved families, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers and professionals. The evidence has significant implications for how gambling suicides are understood and prevented.

“Gambling harm can happen to anyone – this industry has created products and practices capable of drawing anyone in.” GwL trustee Chloe Long on why this research challenges assumptions about gambling harm – and where responsibility lies.

“Gambling harm prevention is suicide prevention.” GwL’s James Grimes with a key takeaway from today's research discussion.

“Growing the gambling industry means that more and more bereaved families will end up sitting here next year, and the year after that.” A key point from GwL co-founder Liz Ritchie: you cannot grow the gambling industry and prevent gambling suicides.

Gambling harm can happen to anyone – and it can lead to suicide. This new research shows recurring patterns of harm across very different lives and circumstances. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be looking more closely at what the evidence tells us.

Gambling kills, even when people take steps to self-exclude. Steve Goff had self-excluded, but he was still able to access National Lottery draw games, prompting a coroner to warn of the risk of further deaths. thetimes.com/article/nationa…

We were proud to be nominated alongside Debbie Busler of @BritishRedCross & @lukeambleruk, founder of @andysmanclubuk, & to share the category with others doing such valuable work

We’re pleased to share that our co-founders Liz & Charles Ritchie MBEs were named Voluntary and Safeguarding Speakers of the Year at last night’s PDG Awards Our CEO Tessa & trustee Chloe accepted the award on their behalf & on behalf of all GwL families who speak out for change

We welcome today’s publication of the House of Lords Liaison Committee's follow-up report on gambling harm and gambling advertising. The report is a landmark endorsement of the public health case for gambling reform. publications.parliament.uk/p…

Our Family Service offers confidential, specialist support to people bereaved by gambling suicide and is free to use. Find out more: gamblingwithlives.org/family…

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we are helping to change the narrative around gambling & suicide. Changing the narrative means recognising that gambling can be a dominant factor in suicide, learning from deaths, & taking action to prevent future harm & save lives. #WSPD2026

Gambling can be a dominant factor without which a suicide may not have occurred (National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2023). Preventing gambling harm will prevent suicides. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD2026

If you're being affected by gambling and need help, Chapter One can help you understand your options and get the support that’s best for you chapter-one.org/how-and-wher…