GambleAware recently shared new insights marking the first anniversary of the National Gambling Support Network, a coalition of services commissioned by GambleAware to provide support for gambling-related issues.
Over the past year, individuals reaching out for treatment were contacted by member organizations within an average of 1.3 days, highlighting the responsiveness of the network which consists of 11 organizations.
Significantly, the National Gambling Helpline, managed by GamCare for over 25 years, experienced a record number of contacts in January 2024, with 4,816 calls and online chats—the highest since its inception and marking the sixth record-breaking month since the start of 2023.
A year prior, GambleAware had committed to fund GamCare for an additional three years to continue its operations.
The necessity of the helpline is underscored by the recent surge in usage. Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew emphasized the critical nature of these services, stating, “The increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline shows the importance of getting the right help in place for those who may be suffering.”
He referred to the government’s proactive measures outlined in a white paper which introduced regulations such as stake limits for online slot games and mandatory financial risk assessments, along with a proposed levy on gambling revenue to support research and treatment of gambling harms.
The helpline has been instrumental, with 28,175 individuals receiving brief interventions—defined as conversations of 20 minutes or longer—since April 2023.
Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning officer at GambleAware, highlighted the crucial role of the service: “The GambleAware-commissioned National Gambling Support Network is designed to prevent the escalation of harms associated with gambling.
“It is heartening to hear the positive impact the services have on people’s lives and the difference they make.”
Hargrave also noted the vital contributions of these third-sector providers and expressed anticipation for continued collaboration with the NHS once a statutory levy is implemented.
This proposed levy, supported by GambleAware and NHS England, would involve a 1% fee on the gross gambling yield of online operators, managed by the Gambling Commission and directed towards the NHS and UK Research and Innovation.
In addition to these services, last week GambleAware announced that over 100,000 individuals have utilized its self-assessment tool since its launch, further demonstrating the expanding reach and necessity of these gambling support mechanisms.