Gambling addiction awareness initiative launched for members
13 February 2026
Despite its potential impact, the issue is rarely talked about, and many struggle to find support.
Now, a new awareness drive in Hertfordshire is aiming to bring the hidden problem into the open and make help easier to access.
Federation representative James Stopford, who is behind the initiative, said: “Gambling addiction is one of those risks that can sit completely unnoticed.
“If an officer was drinking heavily at work or taking drugs, it would be obvious. Gambling is different.
“Someone can sit quietly on their phone and gamble their month’s wages, and no one would know.”
Changes in mood
James said that changes in mood or behaviour may be subtle and easily attributed to night shifts, fatigue or general work-related stress.
With hundreds of gambling sites and easily accessible apps on mobile phones, the potential for harm has never been greater, he said.
And James added that there is surprisingly little research or guidance specifically focused on police officers and gambling.
“If you search the internet for police officers and gambling, there’s almost nothing,” he says. “That, in itself, shows how hidden this issue is.”
Through his own research, James has reviewed an unpublished master’s dissertation produced for the College of Policing, which explores gambling behaviour and its effects.
One key finding was the role of the ‘feel good’ chemical endorphins, which are released when someone wins, even a small amount.
James said: “Most people will recognise that feeling. Checking lottery numbers, winning a few pounds on a scratch card, it feels good. That’s a biological reaction.
“But if you’re an officer already dealing with trauma, that feeling can be heightened. You start chasing the feeling, and the money becomes secondary.”
Copped Enough
James said the issue ties into the national Copped Enough campaign being run by the Police Federation of England and Wales.
The campaign highlights the crisis in police pay, declining morale, and the mental health of officers.
“Police officers aren’t paid enough, and with easily-accessible gambling apps, they’re possibly looking at ways to get more money and for quick fixes,” he continued.
“Betting is advertised everywhere.
“You see crypto trading, which is glamourised on social media, and you can earn money quickly from it, but it’s just gambling wrapped up in different packaging.”
James said that over time, gambling can compound existing trauma and leave officers in an emotionally and financially worse position.
“There’s the trauma from the job, and then there’s the loss of money on top of that,” he said. “It can spiral very quickly.”
Vulnerable
Financial difficulties can also create professional vulnerabilities, James said. Officers experiencing serious debt may be required to declare this through vetting or professional standards processes.
“The aim is to stop people ever reaching that point,” he said, adding: “Early awareness and support are key.”
Over the past few months, James has been publishing internal awareness posts.
He has spoken to the Force wellbeing team about gambling to have its own dedicated section on the intranet, alongside alcohol and substance misuse, rather than being part of general financial advice.
He has met Chief Constable Andy Prophet to outline his plans and ensure senior leaders are aware of the work.
And he signposts officers to existing support services, including GamCare, GamStop, and NHS support.
James said the response has reinforced the importance of this work.
One officer who struggled with gambling addiction in the past has reached out to offer feedback and support.
Gamble
“He lost a lot, not just financially, but in his life,” James said. “He’s told me how important it is to see someone shining a light on this.”
James is clear that this initiative is not about telling officers never to gamble.
“This isn’t about babying our members,” he said. “Plenty of people gamble safely and responsibly. I do myself. This is about helping people pause and think is this getting too much for me?”
James added: “If this reaches one or two people and helps them stop, think, or seek support – even if I never know about it – then it’s done its job.
“In an organisation as large as ours, the chances are that there are a handful of people who will be experiencing problems with gambling.
“We need to make sure they know they’re not alone, and that help is there.”
More information on gambling support is available from:
READ MORE: Week of Visibility highlights Fed support available to members.
© Copyright 2018 Police Federation All rights reserved