Key points:
- GambleAware research finds 74% of the public want National Lottery products to signpost to gambling help
- According to the report, an estimated 600,000 players could be experiencing problem gambling through the Lottery
- The charity urges operator Allwyn UK to align its advertising and products with wider gambling industry standards
GambleAware has renewed its call for the National Lottery to clearly signpost gambling harm support services on its products and advertising, after new research found significant public backing for the move.
The UK charity, which works to tackle gambling harms, says it is vital that the National Lottery uses its national reach to help prevent gambling-related problems – despite being widely seen as a low-risk form of gambling.
Figures from GambleAware’s forthcoming Annual Treatment and Support Survey 2024, conducted with nearly 18,000 adults, reveal that three in four people (74%) believe National Lottery tickets, scratchcards and online games should direct players to help services.
Similarly, 69% think its advertising should carry such signposting, in line with other gambling operators.
The research estimates that up to 600,000 people who play the National Lottery could be experiencing ‘problem gambling.’
The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee recommended this change back in 2022 – but no action has yet been taken.
Commenting on the situation, Andy Boucher, Chair of GambleAware’s Trustees, stated: “We recognise the great work the National Lottery has done supporting a range of worthy causes over many years. In the public’s mind, it is there to do good in the community, and so we believe it is also the right thing for it to look after the people who play the National Lottery.
“This is why we are calling for clearer signposting on the National Lottery’s products and advertising. The signposting we want to see is already a minimum standard across other charity lotteries, and we believe that it is only right that the National Lottery adopts them, as an organisation whose purpose is to benefit good causes and have a positive effect on society.”
Good to know: The survey also revealed that 84% of people recognise the National Lottery as a form of gambling, while almost half disagree with the idea that its products are harmless
GambleAware argues that the Lottery’s unique position and public trust mean it can play a critical role in harm prevention.
The initiative aligns with GambleAware's broader research into gambling harm prevention, including recent studies on neurodivergence and gambling harm that identified individuals with ADHD and autism as being twice as likely to experience gambling-related consequences.
An Allwyn statement send to Gambling Insider in response said: “We signpost to a range of front-line gambling support services across The National Lottery website, communications, products and marketing. All Scratchcards and draw-based games tickets feature details of GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline – which is run by GamCare and commissioned by GambleAware.“Responsible play on The National Lottery has provided enormous societal benefits across the UK with £50bn ($68.8m) raised for Good Causes since 1994. We’ll continue to work with GambleAware as part of our ongoing £1.6m annual commitment to support Research, Treatment and Prevention of gambling-related harm."
