Supporting Universities to Respond to Gambling Harm: Launch of the University Gambling Harms Toolkit

Ara Recovery for All recently partnered with FairPlay to launch the University Gambling Harms Toolkit, a practical resource designed to support universities in responding to gambling-related harm among students.

The Toolkit has been developed specifically for higher education settings across Wales and the South West of England, recognising the important role universities play in prevention, early identification, and creating clear pathways to support.

A video of the launch recording from 22nd January 2026 can be found here.

Read more: Bristol University news story – https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2026/january/bristol-graduates-unveil-toolkit-to-help-students-avoid-gambling-harms.html

Accessing the Toolkit

If you would like free access to the Toolkit, please contact the appropriate regional lead:

Wales Rob Parker RobParker@recovery4all.co.uk

South West of England Carly O’Donnell CarlyODonnell@recovery4all.co.uk

Why gambling harm prevention matters in universities

Students are disproportionately affected by gambling harm, yet gambling can often remain hidden within university communities. Recent research indicates that almost half of students who gamble (46 per cent) are at moderate to high risk of gambling-related harm (GamStop, 2025). Academic pressures, financial stress, social norms, and increased independence can all contribute to risk, while staff may feel unsure how to identify concerns or respond appropriately.

As a regional provider within the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), we recognise that although students are identified as a higher-risk group, relatively few currently access specialist support. This suggests that harm is often hidden or unrecognised, rather than absent. Universities are therefore a key setting for early identification, prevention, and timely support, helping to reduce the risk of gambling harms escalating and continuing into later life.

What the University Gambling Harms Toolkit offers

The University Gambling Harms Toolkit has been designed to be practical, accessible, and easy to use. It supports universities to:

• Increase awareness of gambling harm among students and staff
• Improve confidence in identifying early warning signs
• Understand how to respond appropriately and proportionately
• Embed clear, consistent referral pathways to specialist support

Rather than focusing solely on awareness, the Toolkit places strong emphasis on what to do next, helping institutions move from concern to action.

Developed through partnership and evidence-informed practice

The Toolkit was developed by Ben Parker and Jordan White, recent Master’s graduates from the University of Bristol who founded FairPlay, in close partnership with Ara Recovery for All. Its development was informed through collaboration with 24 wider stakeholders and co-created with partners from 10 different university institutions, alongside current research, lived experience insight, and frontline practice from across the gambling harm support sector.

As highlighted during the launch event, “we’ve collaborated with 24 wider stakeholders, which have given us some really interesting and novel perspectives into gambling harms”. This collaborative approach helped ensure the Toolkit is grounded in real-world university contexts and reflects the practical challenges faced by both students and staff.

The resource is available in both English and Welsh, supporting inclusive and accessible use across institutions.

How Ara can help

Alongside the Toolkit, Ara Recovery for All provides ongoing support to universities across our regions, including:

• Advice and guidance on implementation
• Staff training and awareness sessions
• Clear referral pathways into specialist gambling harm support

The Toolkit has been developed for regions where Ara operates as part of the National Gambling Support Network. Universities outside Wales and the South West can still access the resource, but will need to work in partnership with their local NGSN provider.

Next steps

Universities interested in accessing the Toolkit or exploring further support are encouraged to get in touch. We welcome conversations with student services teams, wellbeing leads, safeguarding professionals, and senior leaders who want to strengthen their approach to gambling harm prevention.