RAF Gambling Support: Assistance for Those Affected

Gambling support is available for those who may be struggling with gambling-related issues. While gambling can be a source of entertainment, it can also lead to negative consequences if used as a coping mechanism for boredom, loneliness, anger, stress, or anxiety. The RAF Benevolent Fund, in collaboration with GamCare and AnonyMind, aims to raise awareness of gambling problems among serving personnel and their loved ones.

To determine if gambling is a problem for you, you can answer a set of questions. If you find that you have experienced issues like betting more than you can afford to lose, chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, or feeling guilty about your gambling behavior, you may have a gambling problem. Support and help are available for those concerned about their gambling habits.

The RAF Benevolent Fund has partnered with AnonyMind to offer free psychological therapy treatments through online video calls to help individuals overcome gambling problems. This service is confidential and can be accessed anonymously. Contact information for support is provided, including an email address and phone number.

Additional support is also available through organisations like GamCare, the NHS, and Gamblers Anonymous. These organisations offer counseling, helplines, and treatment services for those affected by gambling addiction.

Furthermore, the RAF Benevolent Fund conducted research on gambling and wellbeing in the RAF, shedding light on the extent of gambling issues among serving RAF personnel and related wellbeing concerns, such as alcohol use and mental health.

If you have financial concerns, there are organisations that provide free money and debt advice, including The Royal British Legion Benefits, Debt, and Money Advice Service, National Debt Line, and the Money Advice Service, which offers impartial money advice set up by the government.

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting members of our RAF Family through thick and thin, providing practical, emotional, and financial support whenever they need us. There are many ways the RAF Benevolent Fund can support you and your family. We always aim to provide a tailor-made approach to each individual situation ensuring you get the best support when you need it. In 2022 we supported over 40,700 veterans, serving personnel and their families. 13,800 were supported with their emotional wellbeing and more than 6,900 were supported financially.