Don’t Gamble With Health: Gambling Harms Awareness and Prevention Training

Gambling harms are increasingly recognised as a public health issue, affecting families, communities and workplaces across the UK.

Our high streets, particularly those in deprived areas, are heavily populated with betting shops and adult gaming centres that are open 24/7; every shopping centre has bingo halls and casinos; industry operators are spending millions every year on advertising, that even our young people are seeing; and gambling products are being designed to be more and more addictive and accessible.
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Recent research shows that almost half of adults in Great Britain have gambled within the last four weeks, while for every individual experiencing gambling harms, there are likely to be between six and ten other people affected.

The impact can be significant and far-reaching, including:

• Mental health and wellbeing concerns
• Suicidal thoughts and ideation
• Financial difficulties and debt
• Relationship and family pressures
• Reduced productivity, performance, absenteeism and presenteeism
• Safeguarding and welfare issues Increased health and safety risks

Most adults spend around one-third of their adult lives in work, amounting to approximately 90,000 hours over a working lifetime

Because gambling harms are often hidden, workplaces are frequently among the first places where signs emerge.

Organisations that invest in awareness, prevention, early intervention and support can play a vital role in protecting employees, reducing organisational risk and contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Bodies working in, or with, a broader remit on Public Health, such as Local Authorities and statutory services, will find the training offers vital guidance and knowledge transfer on the topic.

Equally, those who offer support in the community such as charities and community organisations will benefit from institutional understanding and the upskilling of staff.

Introducing Don’t Gamble With Health

Don’t Gamble With Health is Betknowmore UK's comprehensive training programme designed to help organisations understand, identify and respond to gambling harms.

Our training is co-produced and delivered with people who have experienced gambling harms directly or as affected others, bringing authenticity, credibility and real-world insight to every session.

Whether you are beginning your journey or looking to develop internal expertise, our three-tier training pathway provides a practical and scalable solution.

The three training options are:

Level 1: Gambling Harms Awareness Training

Building Confidence to Respond and Support

‍This interactive training session moves beyond awareness to develop practical skills and confidence.

Participants learn how to:
• Understand the risks and harms of gambling and how serious they are
• Recognise potential signs of gambling harms
• Respond appropriately to disclosures
• Identify the role of the industry and the addictive nature of some gambling products
• Deliver brief advice and early intervention
• Utilise referral and support pathways
• Address stigma and prejudice and start to build empathy
• Explore the impact of gambling harms on workplaces and communities
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The session encourages discussion and reflection, helping to reduce stigma while equipping attendees with practical tools they can apply immediately.
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Duration: 2 hours  
Format: Online or face-to-face
Capacity: 10–30 attendees online or face-to-face, larger sessions available upon request

Level 2: RSPH Level 2 Award in Tackling
Gambling-Related Harm

Developing Internal Champions and Organisational Expertise

This Ofqual Level 2 regulated qualification, awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), provides a deeper understanding of gambling harms and develops internal champions who can support colleagues, strengthen organisational responses and improve referral pathways.
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Participants will gain:
• Advanced knowledge of gambling harms
• Understanding of risk factors and vulnerabilities
• Skills in screening, brief intervention and signposting
• Knowledge of support and treatment options
• Confidence to contribute to organisational policy and strategy

Successful completion requires passing an end-of-course assessment.

Duration: 6 hours (including examination)
Format: Face-to-face or online by arrangement
Capacity: 10–25 attendees

Self-Directed Learning Module: Gambling Harms Awareness and Prevention  E-Learning

Flexible Awareness Training for Every Employee

This interactive online module provides a concise introduction to gambling harms as a workplace and public health issue in a self-directed learning format, accessible 24/7.

Ideal for staff induction programmes, wellbeing platforms and ongoing awareness campaigns, the module helps employees understand:
• What gambling harms are
• Who may be affected
• Common signs and indicators
• The impact on health, wellbeing and work
• How to access support

The module can be hosted via organisational learning systems or accessed through a secure training link.
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Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Format: Online e-learning

Talk to us!

We have a range of flexible rates and some organisations and locations may qualify for funded sessions.
Get in touch with us to find out more.

Flexible delivery and timing

Our sessions are designed to provide full engagement with less than half a working day required for any of our offerings, online or in person. We would add that lived experience sessions tend to be more powerful when delivered in person.

For that small time investment, your employees will receive vital, potentially life-saving information.

“The staff from Betknowmore were very knowledgeable and were able to break down high-level information into easy-to-understand concepts.”
Attendee London

“The training reinforced my understanding of the harmful effects of gambling and gave me tools on how to support clients by referral and being non judgemental.”

Lived Experience

We embrace the ‘lived experience’ of gambling harms and recovery, recognising that every person has an amazing array of diverse experiences, knowledge, and skills.

Our team is made up of passionate people, bringing together a unique blend of lived experience and expertise. With the insight into someone who has experienced the issue, and found a way to support others, awareness training can truly come to life.