The UK government has unveiled a maiden Men’s Health Strategy in England, placing a sharper focus on the growing impact of gambling-related harm as men and boys throughout the country will benefit from support and tailored healthcare.
Launched on International Men’s Day (November 19), the program aims to help men and boys tackle challenges which are prevalent in everyday life.
Positive to see @DHSCgovuk focus on the health harms caused by gambling in the new Men's Health Strategy.
— Gambling with Lives (@GambleWithLives) November 19, 2025
Gambling poses a high suicide risk – preventative, public health action will save lives.https://t.co/WvYHOYdcu5
With men more likely to smoke, drink, gamble and use drugs, mental health is suffering, which can place a greater toll on families and workplaces.
Furthermore, suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50, while 75% of all suicides are men. As such, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has teamed up with the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative in the recently launched strategy.
“For too long, men’s health has been overlooked. There has been a reluctance to accept that men suffer specific inequalities and hardships,” Said Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
“The fact is that life can be really difficult for men in today’s society. Men are dying nearly 4 years earlier than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.
“This strategy marks a turning point – the first time we’re taking comprehensive, co-ordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys.”
While many addictions are harming men’s mental health, gambling is proving to be one of the most dangerous.
Gambling represents one of the biggest dangers to men
According to the Gambling Commission’s annual report, around 1.4 million adults in the UK have a gambling problem.
On top of this, dating back to 2021, men are more likely (55%) to engage in any gambling activity compared to women (45%), according to data published by the NHS.
Men (14%) were also more likely to partake in some form of online gambling compared to women (5%).
Despite the Betting and Gaming Council stating that the “vast majority of people do so safely” when referencing the recent report by the Gambling Commission, it appears that this industry affects men more than any other demographic.
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