Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen has met with MPs and bereaved families in Westminster to help raise awareness of gambling-related suicide.
The event, the Gambling with Lives Annual Parliamentary Forum, was hosted by MP Abtisam Mohamed at the House of Commons and allowed national safety leaders and parliamentarians to meet with families who have lost loved ones to gambling suicide.
The forum is different from other gambling charities as it supports the friends and families of those who have died by suicide due to gambling.
Founded by families, it provides various support services including inquest guidance, analysis of gambling and banking data, and help with raising concerns with the gambling regulator or other public/government bodies.
Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, and Liz Ritchie, co-founder of the charity, were among the speakers at the event.
The PCC met with the parents of Kimberly Wadsworth, who died by suicide aged 32.
She began gambling on fixed odds betting terminals and in casinos before progressing to online games where she was given VIP access.
As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' (APCC) Joint Addictions Lead, the PCC has been a strong advocate for stricter industry regulations to hold the sector accountable for the impact of gambling harm.
This includes lobbying for improved betting rules to protect problem gamblers and prevent children from falling into gambling addiction.
She has also spearheaded 'sweeping reforms' in Durham, making it the first force in the country to sign up to the Gambling Charter.
This agreement outlined the constabulary's commitment to work together with others to tackle gambling harm in the workplace and wider community.
Ms Allen said: "There are up to 496 gambling-related suicides every year - over one every day.
"I was staggered to learn that 86 per cent of online betting profit comes from just five per cent of the gambling company's customers, customers like Kimberly who should be better protected from unscrupulous marketing ploys encouraging them to bet much more than they can afford.
"For many individuals, gambling starts off as a harmless pastime or a way to unwind and have fun.
"However, for some, it can quickly spiral out of control and lead to a cycle of addiction and financial ruin.
"The constant need to chase losses and the thrill of risking more money can create a dangerous pattern that can be difficult to break.
"It was heartbreaking to meet all the bereaved parents and partners of those are no longer with us.
"When families become aware of the role gambling played in a death, it can raise many questions.
"Gambling with Lives can help gather information and offer support."
Recent evidence from the Gambling Commission indicates that 2.5 per cent of the UK population is suffering from "problem gambling" and that 44 per cent of this population are at high risk of suicidal behaviour.
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The commissioner works with charities like Gambling with Lives to push for every gambling-related suicide to be investigated so lessons can be learned and action taken to eradicate all VIP schemes and other incentives that encourage irresponsible gambling including "free bet" bonuses.
The PCC encourages anyone struggling with a gambling disorder to seek help and support at the earliest opportunity.
There are several treatment options and providers in the region who can help people overcome gambling addiction and regain control of their lives.In an emergency, people can call the Samaritans 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week on 116 123.
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