A Destructive Cycle: Poor Mental Health and Gambling

Some people view gambling as a harmless, occasional activity, but for many, it becomes a destructive cycle—especially when poor mental health is involved. There’s growing evidence showing a strong link between mental health struggles and gambling harm, with each often feeding into the other in harmful ways.

Gambling to help cope

For those experiencing anxiety, depression, or high levels of stress, gambling can appear to be a temporary escape. The thrill of a potential win, the distraction of focusing on bets or games, and the social aspect of some gambling environments might provide short-term relief from emotional pain. However, this relief is short lived.
Instead of addressing the root causes of poor mental health, gambling can mask symptoms while creating new problems—especially financial stress and relationship breakdowns. As these issues pile up, they often worsen the individual’s mental health, increasing the desire to escape again through gambling, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

Mental Health Disorders and Risk of Problem Gambling

Research shows that people with depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance misuse issues are at increased risk. Impulsiveness, a common feature of several mental health conditions, plays a significant role—leading people to chase losses, gamble beyond their means, or struggle to walk away.
In particular, depression and gambling often co-exist. When someone feels hopeless or numb, gambling can feel like one of the few activities that sparks emotion. Similarly, those with anxiety might use gambling as a way to distract from constant worry. But when losses mount up, as they inevitably do—feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrasment often deepen existing mental health issues. Gambling is the addiction most associated with suicidal behaviours, more so than drugs and alcohol.

Isolation and Stigma

Another factor connecting mental health and gambling is isolation. People struggling with either often pull away from those around them, either out of shame or a desire to hide their issues. Online gambling can encourage people to isolate further, avoiding social connection and increasing the secrecy that often comes with addiction.
Stigma also plays a role. People can feel embarrassed to admit they’re struggling with their mental health or that they’ve lost control of their gambling. This can stop them from asking for help until things reach a crisis point.

It’s also worth taking into consideration just how much stigma affects women. It’s common for gambling to be considered a male problem. The stigma is exacerbated for women who fear the repercussions to their family. Women are often scared about their children being taken away from them, so hide gambling harm.

Affected Others

Affected others are most likely to be negatively affected by a gambling problem of someone in their immediate family (61%), most commonly by a spouse or partner, or a parent. The impact of a gambling problem is felt most severely by immediate family members. Gambling problems harm an average of six others, who experience an average of seven harms.

Looking Ahead

Help is available, and recovery is possible. Treating both mental health issues and gambling addiction together gives people the best chance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), reaching out to charity organisations, peer support groups, and professional counselling can all make a real difference.

That’s why we are so passionate of raising awareness of this link, and celebrating World Mental Mental Health Day, so people know they’re not alone, and that these struggles are often connected. By opening up conversations around gambling and mental health, we can reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out.

Recognising the mental health and gambling addiction connection is the first step toward recovery. With the right support, people can break free from the cycle, rebuild their lives, and find healthier ways to cope and thrive.