GambleAware Reports Surge in Gambling Harm and Urges Stronger Measures

Rising Number of Individuals Seeking Gambling Support

GambleAware has released its recent Annual Treatment and Support Survey, revealing a significant uptick in the number of people looking for assistance with gambling problems. While this rise indicates the growing awareness and accessibility of support services, it also points to an alarming increase in gambling-related harm across the UK.

Statistics Highlight Worrying Trends in Gambling Harm

The 2024 survey shows that nearly 30% of adults who gamble have sought help, almost doubling from 17% in 2020. This shift suggests that roughly 3.8% of the UK adult population is now affected by gambling harm, a notable rise from 2.4% four years earlier. Additionally, the number of individuals reaching out due to the gambling issues of someone close to them has grown from 6% to 8%, equating to around 4.3 million adults.

This increase also has implications for families, with an estimated 2 million children living with adults experiencing gambling problems. There is strong public backing for stricter regulation on gambling advertising, especially where children are likely to encounter it; 91% support banning gambling ads on television and in video games, and 90% endorse banning these ads on social media platforms.

Prize Draws Implicated in Gambling Risks

GambleAware’s survey draws attention to the potential dangers posed by prize draws, which, although unregulated as gambling, share similarities with games of chance. Examples like Omaze and the McDonald’s Monopoly promotion are said to contribute to gambling addiction. Approximately 27% of those at risk of problem gambling participate in such prize draws, with an estimated 11% of all gamblers experiencing harm linked to these activities.

The charity warns that prize draws might normalize gambling behavior, particularly among young people, and pose risks that warrant careful consideration and potential regulation.

Calls for Stronger Action to Combat Gambling Harms

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, emphasized the addictive nature of gambling and its damaging effects on personal finances and relationships. She noted that while the rising number of people seeking help is encouraging, it also highlights a concerning increase in gambling-related issues.

Osmond expressed worry about how gambling is becoming normalized, especially among the youth, due to widespread exposure across the UK. She advocates for stricter controls on gambling advertising, sponsorships, and products, including a total ban on gambling promotions at sports stadiums, to protect vulnerable groups and young fans.

Meanwhile, GambleAware continues its preparations for a managed closure in alignment with ongoing gambling reforms in Britain.