GambleAware warns of rising harms; demand for support nearly doubles
New findings highlight rising risks and public demand for tighter safeguards.
Key points:
– GambleAware’s survey reveals almost one in three adults at risk from gambling now seek treatment or advice
-Certain prize draws are linked to gambling-related harms
GambleAware has published its latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey. The data indicates that 30% of adults who gamble and are at risk of problems now want treatment, support or advice, compared to 17% in 2020.
The charity has raised concern that this increase may signal gambling harm becoming a growing issue. The report also shows that an estimated 4.3 million adults are now affected by another person’s gambling, up from 6% in 2020 to 8% in 2024. In addition, around 2 million children are estimated to live in households where an adult is experiencing problem gambling.
The survey found evidence of links between prize draws and gambling harms. More than a quarter of people who gamble were estimated to be at some risk from participating in prize draws, with 11% meeting the criteria for problem gambling.
Public attitudes towards children’s exposure to gambling were also explored. 91% of respondents supported a ban on gambling advertising in television and video games and 90% supported a ban on social media platforms.
Good to know: The Annual Treatment and Support Survey has been conducted by YouGov since 2019
Zoë Osmond OBE, GambleAware CEO, stated: “Gambling can be highly addictive, with devastating impacts on people’s lives, relationships and financial stability.
“While it is encouraging that more people have sought help, this rise may also point to a growing public health crisis.”
Kate Gosschalk, YouGov Associate Director, added: “We are pleased to share the findings from the latest annual Treatment and Support Survey, a substantial online survey of around 18,000 people in addition to interviews with those who gamble.”
The rise in demand for gambling harm support comes as GambleAware prepares for a managed closure by March 2026, ahead of the transition to a new statutory system of government-led commissioning.
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