Advise for Professionals
Professionals play a key role in helping young people understand gambling-related risk and access support early.
It can be difficult to recognise when gambling is affecting a child or young person, particularly when the harm is indirect or linked to someone else’s behaviour. This page provides guidance to support professional conversations, safeguarding practice and appropriate signposting.
We also offer regular free online training for professionals working with children, young people and families, providing practical tools, current evidence and clear referral pathways. Organisations can also contact us to discuss tailored training, depending on setting, funding and availability.
Affected others and safeguarding
Children and young people are more likely to be affected by an adult’s gambling than by their own. These harms are often hidden and can present as wider family stress or unmet need.
Gambling-related harm can sometimes sit behind issues that professionals already monitor as part of safeguarding responsibilities.
You may notice:
- Financial instability where the cause is unclear
- Increased use of foodbanks or emergency support
- Rent arrears, debt, or sudden changes in household circumstances
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or withdrawal in children and young people
- Inconsistent parenting, missed appointments, or reduced supervision
As professionals, we may be in a position to notice these patterns early and help prevent escalation.
Ara Recovery for All offers free support for adults and we’re happy to work with you to make a referral.
GAMING, GAMBLING-LIKE FEATURES & ONLINE RISK
We often hear from staff who are concerned about gaming among the young people they support. Ara can offer age-appropriate workshops exploring gaming, gambling-like features and online safety.
Gambling harms do not always begin with traditional gambling. Young people may encounter online features that encourage spending, repeated engagement, risk-taking or chasing rewards. For some, this can make harm harder to recognise.
Professionals do not need to be gaming experts. Simple questions can help:
- “Do you ever game when you should be sleeping?”
- “Do you feel under pressure to spend money in games?”
- “Does gaming ever leave you feeling stressed, angry or unable to stop?”
These conversations can help identify whether gaming, spending or gambling-like features may be part of a wider wellbeing, safeguarding or financial harm concern.
Ask About Gambling When Screening
Gambling-related harm is often overlooked and is rarely included in routine screening or assessment questions.
A simple question such as:
“Have you been negatively affected by your own or someone else’s gambling?” can be a powerful starting point.
If we do not ask, we risk missing an important early step in the safeguarding process. Gambling harms are often hidden and may sit behind financial stress, emotional distress, or wider family difficulties.
Adding a single gambling-related question to existing screening or assessment frameworks usually requires minimal additional time, but can significantly improve identification and early support.
Screening and early indentification
Our Gambling Screening Tool can support early identification.
The tool uses eight short questions to help young people reflect on gambling and whether it may be having an impact. It can be completed independently or supported by a trusted adult or professional.
The tool is not diagnostic and does not replace assessment. It can support professional judgement and guide next steps.
Support and referral pathways
Clear, age-appropriate support options are available for individuals and affected others.
You can explore referral routes and national support services on our Where to get help page.
If you are working outside the South West of England, you can find regional support for you here:
Training and education
Equip your team, school, or organisation with the knowledge to recognise and respond to gambling harms.
Our professional training sessions are practical, evidence-based, and tailored to your setting.
Book a session today to get started.
