GamCare data suggests rise in online slot problems
New data from gambling charity GamCare reveals that the percentage of online gamblers seeking help for slot machine problems has nearly doubled over the past five years.
In 2022-23, three in five (60%) of those who disclosed difficulties with online gambling cited online slots as one of their main challenges. This is a significant increase from the 34% reported between 2018 and 2019.
The data also highlights that 73% of all callers to the National Gambling Helpline in the past year reported struggling with online gambling issues.
This data is based on information provided by 5,660 callers to the National Gambling Helpline who disclosed the type of gambling activity that was problematic for them, with 4,154 indicating issues related to online gambling.
Colin Walsh, Lived Experience Manager at GamCare, says online slots now pose a disproportionate challenge for many individuals seeking help.
Walsh stated: “There is still a perception that gambling harm predominantly comes from betting on horses or sports events.
“In the past five years, we have broadly seen a trend where people often start gambling on these activities but eventually transition into other areas of online gambling, where it can be easy to lose sight of how much time and money is being spent.”
GamCare is a provider of support for individuals harmed by gambling. The organisation operates the National Gambling Helpline 24/7, receiving over 44,000 contacts each year through phone, live chat and WhatsApp.
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