Gambling back to pre-pandemic levels

It comes as the charity launches a campaign to raise awareness of treatment and support available through the National Gambling Treatment Services (NGTS). Working in partnership with the NHS, it provides free, confidential support through over the phone, online, face-to-face, group and residential therapy.

The campaign from the NGTS coincides with the publication of new data from the Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey, carried by YouGov on behalf of GambleAware. It provides the latest evidence on the scale of gambling harming, and shows the significant and varied impact gambling has on people across Britain. 

It also outlines both the barriers and motivations for accessing help. Among the gamblers who did access support, the most common reason for doing so was a concern about their mental health - 31% - followed by financial reasons - 28%. 

In addition to this, the simple fact of knowing there was support available and where to find out motivated people to access it. Among those experiencing gambling harms, 27% mentioned this as something that would make them get help. 

The survey also shows how the attitudes and perceptions of loved ones can affect whether someone gets help for their gambling. And, while speaking to a partner or a family member can be an important motivator for seeking help, the fear of others finding out about their gambling problems represented the single biggest barrier - mentioned by 24% of people experiencing gambling harms. 

Commenting on the findings, GambleAware chief executive Zoe Osmond said: “For many years, the NGTS has been working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations to provide free, confidential support that is effective and easy to access. 

“While we’re proud to have enabled over 200,000 people over the past six years to get the help they need, we know there are many more out there who also need help. Our message to anyone struggling or worried about their loved ones is that you are not alone.”