‘I didn’t go out, I didn’t sleep’: a life unravelled by problem gambling

As a report reveals the extent of harm gambling causes in Great Britain, one woman tells how she lost everything

• Harm from problem gambling in Great Britain ‘may be eight times higher than thought’

Jenny always dreamed of owning her own home. Her family had little money when she was growing up but she trained as an accountant and got a well-paid job, finally buying her own place in 2016.

“I worked really hard to get my career,” she said. “I did a lot of studying and I don’t come from an affluent background. Then I got my own house. When you’re younger you wish for those things and I did that.”

In the UK, support for problem gambling can be found through GamCare on 0808 8020 133. In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling is on 800-522-4700. In Australia, Gambling Help Online is available on 1800 858 858 and the National Debt helpline is at 1800 007 007

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org