The leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment across Great Britain, GambleAware, has reported a boost in the number of individuals seeking support for gambling harms.
The decision comes after engaging with a series of prevention initiatives, according to fresh data from the body, with emphasis on the online self-assessment tool.
The latter, which has been created to give people a deeper understanding of the way gambling might be affecting them and direct tailored support, has already been completed by more than 100,000 people since its official launch in April 2023.
Around 28,000 People Asked for Help
Of the 100,000 people who filled in GambleAware’s self-assessment tool, around 28,000 went further and got in touch with the National Gambling Helpline either by phone or using their dedicated live chat gadget.
This way, they requested additional information and support from trained advisors.
The rise in the number of individuals making use of the tool is in perfect alignment with the growing number of people accessing treatment and support via the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which is commissioned by GambleAware.
The numbers feature a 20% rise in the number of people who have received extended early intervention assistance.
The latter includes a minimum 20 to 30-minute consultation time. Moreover, the number of people getting in touch with the NGSN to seek initial general advice and information related to the potential harms of gambling has more than doubled in size.
A “Prevention-Led Approach” Is Imperative
The Gambling Commission’s most recent numbers speak of the gambling industry in the UK reaching £15.1 billion ($19.1 billion) in the year to March 2023.
The concerning numbers, according to GambleAware’s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, should suffice to underscore “the critical role third-sector services play as part of a whole-system approach to addressing gambling harms.”
With the fast-approaching government announcement regarding the structure of the new system, it is crucial that a “comprehensive prevention-led approach is prioritized,” Osmond added.
The self-assessment tool was launched simultaneously with GambleAware’s main public health campaign aimed at tackling the stigma around gambling harms, “Let’s Open Up About Gambling.”
The campaign reached close to 30 million people.
GambleAware’s chief communications officer, Alexia Clifford, explained the necessity to “note the impact of this important campaign” that showed that 56% of their target audience had responded, “by taking proactive steps, such as reducing gambling, monitoring activity, and engaging in open discussions about their concerns.”
The past year has also showcased a record 24% increase in the number of calls to the National Gambling Helpline.
GambleAware has so far trained over 8,000 professionals from a variety of sectors to recognize and offer support to individuals who may be affected by gambling harm.
In February, a GambleAware survey showed strong backup from the public for enhanced affordability checks.