The University of Sheffield is at the forefront of a groundbreaking national push to address one of the United Kingdom's most pressing public health challenges: gambling-related harm. On May 14, 2026, researchers from the institution launched the Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre, the country's largest independent research facility dedicated to this issue. This ambitious initiative, jointly led by Sheffield alongside the Universities of Glasgow, Swansea, and King's College London, promises to deliver evidence-based solutions that could transform prevention, treatment, and policy across the nation. Funded through the government's statutory Gambling Levy and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the centre underscores Sheffield's pivotal role in higher education's contribution to societal well-being.

Gambling-related harm affects millions in the UK, extending far beyond individual gamblers to families, communities, and the economy. With annual costs estimated at £1.4 billion, including healthcare burdens, criminal justice expenses, and social disruptions like depression, family breakdowns, and suicides, the need for robust research has never been greater. Sheffield's Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG), directed by Professor John Holmes, has long been a leader in this field, producing studies that challenge conventional views and inform national strategies.

Understanding the Scale of Gambling-Related Harms in the UK

Gambling participation remains high, with around 54% of adults in England engaging in some form in 2018, according to comprehensive reviews. While problem gambling affects approximately 0.5% of the population—equating to roughly 250,000 individuals—harms ripple out to 7% of the population, or over 3 million people, including children negatively impacted by a family member's habits. Recent Sheffield-led surveys suggest the true scale could be eight times higher than previously thought, with 2.5% of adults experiencing problem gambling symptoms.

Harms manifest in multiple dimensions. Financially, they lead to debt, bankruptcy, and homelessness. Relationally, they cause conflicts, domestic abuse, and family breakdowns—48% of those affected by a partner's gambling report severe impacts. Health-wise, links to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and elevated suicide risk are evident, particularly among younger adults aged 20-49. Employment suffers through absenteeism and job loss, while education impacts children in chaotic households. Criminal activities, such as theft and fraud, further compound societal costs.

• Financial harms: £49 million annually in statutory homelessness and debt relief.
• Health harms: £754-£1,475 million, including £508 million for depression treatment.
• Suicide-related: £241-£962 million.
• Criminal justice: £167 million.

These figures, drawn from government-commissioned evidence reviews, highlight why gambling is increasingly framed as a public health priority akin to alcohol or tobacco.

The Sheffield Addictions Research Group's Legacy

Established within Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, SARG has pioneered gambling research for over a decade. Professor John Holmes, a Professor of Alcohol Policy, directs the group, bringing expertise in addictions policy. The team's work includes the landmark Gambling-Related Harms Evidence Review for Public Health England, quantifying prevalence and impacts. They co-lead the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Addictions with King's College London and the University of Glasgow, providing insights cited in the government's Gambling White Paper.

SARG's prevalence studies have revealed that harms extend to low-risk gamblers and their contacts, with 1.4 million experiencing issues and 1.5 million at risk—far exceeding industry claims of 0.1%. Their analysis of Health Survey for England data linked frequent gambling to 15-fold increased low-risk harm and 38-fold moderate-risk harm.

Launch of the GHR-UK Evidence Centre: A Landmark Initiative

The GHR-UK Evidence Centre represents a £5.5 million-plus commitment, coordinating 19 Innovation Partnerships and a major research program. Its independence from industry influence is ensured through strict governance, involving lived experience advisors like Martin Jones. Core objectives include generating high-quality evidence on prevention and treatment, enhancing data access, and training future leaders via PhD programs with policymaker placements.

Sheffield leads two key partnerships: G-PULSE, with The King's Fund and Glasgow, develops computer models to predict policy impacts on behavior, health, and inequalities; and a treatment-focused effort led by Professor Matt Field and Dr. Jen Brown, using machine learning to boost NHS service engagement. Professor Hazel Squires heads health economic modeling efforts. University of Sheffield announcement.

Innovative Research Projects Tackling Key Challenges

SARG's recent innovations include a UKRI-funded rapid review of population-level policies like stake limits and ad bans. Ellen McGrane's PhD examined TV gambling ads during the 2022 World Cup, finding 16-24% higher football betting on ad-heavy channels—critical ahead of 2026. Another study showed voluntary ad bans reduce exposure but not eliminate it.

Machine learning projects analyze dropout from NHS gambling services, aiming to personalize interventions. Economic modeling demonstrates that reducing harmful spending boosts GDP by freeing consumer funds for productive areas. Full government evidence review.

Influencing National Policy and Regulation

Sheffield's evidence shaped the 2023 Gambling White Paper, introducing stake limits, levy (20% to research/treatment), and black market crackdowns. Amid 2026 reforms, their work urges stricter ad rules during events like the World Cup. The centre will assess levy impacts, ensuring funds target harms effectively.

Stakeholder views vary: charities praise independence, industry supports levy but resists limits. Policymakers value modeling for equitable outcomes, addressing deprived areas' higher risks (e.g., North East 4.9% elevated risk).

Building Research Capacity and Careers at Sheffield

The centre's PhD program fosters interdisciplinary talent in health economics, psychology, and data science. Sheffield's higher education ecosystem offers roles from research assistants to professors, with SARG exemplifying impactful careers. Aspiring academics can pursue research positions blending policy and science.

Challenges Ahead and Future Outlook

Challenges include data gaps on societal harms, online gambling's rise, and gaming overlaps. Emerging risks like loot boxes demand attention. Sheffield's modeling forecasts policy scenarios, projecting reduced suicides and healthcare costs.

By 2030, expect integrated NHS gambling services, ad reforms, and tech-driven prevention. Sheffield's leadership positions UK higher education as a public health powerhouse.

Sheffield University's Commitment to Public Health Research

Beyond gambling, SARG tackles alcohol/tobacco, with cross-addiction insights. Collaborations with NHS, government, and charities amplify impact. For students, opportunities in higher ed research jobs abound, fostering careers in evidence-based policy.

This initiative not only combats gambling harms but elevates Sheffield's global standing in addictions research, benefiting society through informed, compassionate solutions.

Photo by Chun Chen on Unsplash