Problem gamblers four times more at risk of suicide by their mid-20s

Gambling addicts were four times more at risk of attempting suicide aged 24 than recreational or nongamblers, according to a new study.

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Campaigners say gambling addiction needs to be taken more seriously.

Researchers said their findings show “much more” needs to be done to prevent and protect the next generation from experiencing gambling harms.

The long-running study, by researchers at the University of Bristol, found the suicide attempt rate among problem gamblers quadrupled between the ages of 20 and 24.

Researchers said their work, published in the journal Addiction, was unique in being able to effectively rule out other explanations for someone's suicidal feelings and therefore goes against the idea that someone falls into problem gambling as a way of dealing with other issues in their lives.

Lead author Olly Bastiani, a PhD researcher at the University of Bristol, said: “This study tracked people from birth, meaning we could look at the long-term impacts of problem gambling, and could rule out alternative explanations that hinder previous studies, such as that people might be drawn to problem gambling as a way of escaping preexisting suicidal feelings.”