“Within South Asian culture, gambling has always been a taboo subject. If you are from a Muslim family it's even more unheard of. Just as with alcohol and drugs, it is prohibited in the Qur’an…The taboo of gambling within South Asian culture has meant my family still can’t get the support they need.”

“My first memory of gambling was popping into the local bookies on Grand National day aged 18 to lay an each-way bet for me and my mum…It was a man’s world, but I still recall the buzz of placing a potential winner and the desire to come back to collect my winnings after the race. It was like the die was cast.”

The UK lags behind the rest of Europe on gambling advertising regulation while other countries are limiting their impact. Kate Samuels examines approaches taken in three different countries and explores what the UK can learn to better protect vulnerable communities and reduce gambling-related harm.

Gambling harms thrive in plain sight, especially in less affluent communities like Govanhill. With bookmakers on every corner and addictive mechanics embedded in video games, the seeds of addiction are planted early, often in the lives of vulnerable young people. Eva O’Donovan unpacks the systemic exploitation and the hidden struggles of those caught in its grip, shedding light on the urgent need for change.

Are you or a loved one struggling with gambling? There are plenty of support options out there who can help. We’ve listed them all, including how to contact them.