According to recent data from GambleAware, the largest charity that commissions gambling-related avoidance and rehabilitation services, an increasing number of people are seeking help for their gambling problems following participation in preventive campaigns.
Since its launch in April 2023, GambleAware’s online self-assessment tool—which aims to help people see how gambling may harm them and connect them to individualized support—has been completed by over 100,000 people, according to the most recent statistics. About 28,000 used the live chat option or the National Gambling Helpline to speak with a professional counselor for additional advice and support.
The tool is being used by an increasing number of users, in line with the growing number of people seeking assistance from the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which GambleAware funds. This network offers several types of support. For example, there has been a 20% increase in people receiving longer early support sessions, in which they speak with an advisor for at least 20 to 30 minutes. In addition, the number of people seeking basic gambling guidance from the NGSN has more than doubled.
The increase in uptake of preventative programs coincides with the betting and gaming industry’s continuous income growth, with the Gambling Commission reporting that revenues reached £15.1 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2023.
According to the gambling news, the CEO of GambleAware, Zoe Osmond, says that the information currently available emphasizes the value of non-governmental organizations in tackling gaming-related problems. We must concentrate on averting issues as we wait for the administration to clarify how it plans to handle this matter. This entails increasing funding for programs that offer unrestricted private help, educating individuals about the risks associated with gambling, launching public health campaigns, and dispensing information online. These services must cater to the demands of the many communities within the United Kingdom.
The self-assessment tool was released alongside GambleAware’s major campaign, ‘Let’s Open Up About Gambling,’ which attempted to decrease the stigma associated with gambling disorders. This campaign reached about 30 million individuals and was part of a larger attempt to make things simpler for people to get treatment and prevent gambling problems from developing in the first place.
The impact of this significant campaign is encouraging, according to GambleAware Chief Communications Officer Alexia Clifford, who noted that 56% of our target audience has responded by taking proactive measures like cutting back on gambling, keeping an eye on activity, and having honest conversations about their concerns. These statistics highlight the vital need of prevention and early intervention in protecting people from the dangers of gambling.
Over the past year, calls to the National Gambling Help Line—which GambleAware supports—have increased by 24%. This shows that an increasing number of people are looking for help with gambling-related problems, and it’s important to respond by offering aid in different ways. One strategy is educating and preparing community members to recognize and manage gambling-related issues.
GambleAware has been diligently working to teach over 8,000 people from various industries to identify better and assist people who may be battling with gambling addiction. This is part of their aim to increase local help for those impacted by gambling damage.
If you’re concerned about how gambling affects you, just contact GambleAware. For free and confidential information, tools, and support, call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
