GambleAware, a charity focused on preventing and treating gambling-related issues, revealed that out of 112,000 individuals who used its services, approximately 28,000, or one in four, sought additional assistance from trained advisors via the National Gambling Helpline.
Utilizing GambleAware’s self-assessment tool, users are presented with statements about their gambling behavior and are prompted to rate the extent to which these statements apply to them on a scale from 1 to 10.
This increased uptake of support services is in line with a growing trend of individuals seeking help through the National Gambling Support Network, with a notable 20% surge in individuals receiving extended early intervention support.
CEO of GambleAware, Zoë Osmond, emphasized the significance of third-sector services in combating gambling harms within a comprehensive approach.
She stressed the need for prioritizing prevention-led strategies, urging increased investment in free and confidential support services, educational initiatives, public health campaigns, and digital resources to cater to diverse communities across Great Britain.
The introduction of the self-assessment tool coincided with the launch of GambleAware’s “Let’s Open Up About Gambling” campaign in April 2023.
This campaign reached a wide audience, encouraging more than half of the participants to take proactive measures to mitigate gambling harm.
Furthermore, there has been a notable 24% increase in calls to the GambleAware-commissioned National Gambling Helpline over the past year, indicating a growing demand for a comprehensive response to address the societal impact of gambling.
GambleAware has also made significant strides in training over 8,000 professionals across various sectors to assist individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.
Addressing concerns raised by the Good Law Project regarding GambleAware’s adherence to its charitable aims, Osmond reaffirmed the charity’s independence from the gambling industry, asserting its commitment to fulfilling its mission of providing effective support and education to combat gambling harm.