The report revealed that 92% of people that completed scheduled treatment noted an improvement in their behaviour, according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index, while 86% saw a psychological improvement, too.

Of the people that stopped having treatment in 2021/2022, 63% completed the course of treatment.

Furthermore, 50% of people that went to the NGTS for help had their first appointment within five days of contact, while 75% had one within the first 12 days.

The report was commissioned by GambleAware, which also showed that 7,072 people had sought help for gambling-related harms during the past year in England, Scotland & Wales – and that 30% of people didn’t complete treatment at all.

Most of the referrals to the NGTS came from the National Gambling Helpline – which made up 57% – with 26% more being self-referred.

The majority of gambling-related harm stemmed from online use, which had a much higher use among younger age groups.

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said of the annual statistics: “It is extremely encouraging to see that the NGTS continues to improve the lives of those who experience gambling harms and remains a highly effective treatment option.

“It is also encouraging to see the fall in those accessing more advanced treatment balanced out with more and more people accessing the helpline and other services as a means of support. Gambling harms can affect anyone, and it is important to encourage people to seek support and treatment early on.”