Dean's Grand Rounds - Gambling Disorder in the UK

Gambling Disorder affects 0.4-2.4% of the population. It leads to numerous negative consequences, e.g. debt, unemployment, relationship breakdowns, homelessness, other mental health morbidities, physical health conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease and obesity), and suicide. Yet, less than 5% of affected individuals ever receive an assessment, let alone evidence-based treatment. In the UK, the situation has rapidly changed in the past 1-2 years: gambling disorder is now a national NHS priority, NICE guidelines have recently been published, and fifteen regional clinical treatment services have been funded by NHSE to deliver evidence based treatment for gambling disorder across the country.

This symposium will provide a practical overview of Gambling Disorder, including recent advances in research, policy, and practice.

Chair: Dr Lade Smith, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists

Speakers: Professor Sam Chamberlain: Founder and Service Director, NHS Southern Gambling Service, Southampton, UK; Professor of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK

Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones: National NHS Specialty Director for Gambling Harms, NHS England; Founder and Lead, National Treatment Service for Gambling Disorder, CNWL Healthcare Trust, London, UK; Honorary Professor, University College London, London, UK; Honorary Senior Visiting Fellow, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Steve Watts: Founder and Director, GamFam, UK

Dr Konstantinos Ioannidis: Consultant Psychiatrist, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK; Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

Professor Sam Chamberlain will provide an overview of gambling disorder (including international aspects) including symptoms, who it affects (including vulnerable groups), and its consequences. He will also consider the broader concept of gambling-related harms, and practical clinical screening and assessment strategies based on validated tools.

Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones will review the UK landscape in relation to gambling disorder – from the first gambling service founded >10 years ago through to the recent launch of 15 regional clinics. Professor Bowden-Jones will discuss the governmental White Paper on gambling and the subsequent UK government’s levy on the gambling industry. She will consider how the levy will support new advances in clinical provision, research, and prevention.

Mr Steve Watts, from the independent charity Gamfam, will describe lived experience of gambling disorder from the perspectives of those with the condition and their family members (affected others). He will highlight the value of Peer Support Networks in supporting those affected by gambling harms, including findings from GamFam’s activities.

Dr Konstantinos Ioannidis will provide a summary of key recommendations (focusing on clinical practice) from the recently published NICE guidelines for gambling related harms. He will flag up areas of uncertainty and where more research is needed, and will also present the very latest data on evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments. In terms of the latter, Dr Ioannidis will show new data from a network meta-analysis.

Please read our event terms and conditions before registering.

This event will take place on Zoom. You will need to register using the button above and will then be sent a link to join the webinar. You must have access to a reliable Wi-Fi network and a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

This event will be recorded and made available to watch on-demand after the live webinar.