GambleAware's Annual Survey Results Urge Policy Change

GambleAware has released its Annual Treatment and Support Survey, which tracks the demand for and use of treatment and support services for gambling harms over time. Conducted by YouGov, the latest survey, completed in November 2023, included 18,178 adults across Great Britain.

The survey findings estimate that "1.65 million children under the age of 18 are growing up in households where an adult is experiencing problem gambling."

Additionally, the report reveals that these children are "four times more likely to go on to experience problem gambling themselves," with 8% at risk compared to just 2% of those not living with an affected adult.

For the first time, the report also sheds light on "legacy harms of gambling," focusing on the long-term impacts on individuals who have stopped gambling, such as financial difficulties and physical health issues. Notably, 18% of former gamblers reported feeling "the urge to gamble again in the last six months."

In response to these findings, GambleAware is advocating for policy changes to combat the "normalisation of gambling in daily life and help protect children and young people." Their proposals include a pre-watershed ban on TV advertising, enhanced health warnings on all gambling ads, and a ban on gambling marketing at sporting events.

GambleAware Chief Executive Zoë Osmond emphasized the importance of these measures, stating:

“The figures published today in our Treatment and Support Survey highlight the impact of the normalisation of gambling across society on individuals, families and communities. The research shows a concerning link between early exposure to gambling at a younger age and the risk of harms in later life and for the first time shows the lasting impact legacy harms can have."

She added:

“Gambling harms can affect anyone, which is why it is so important that we break down the stigma associated with it and encourage people to come forward and talk about gambling harm. We also need to go further to protect people from experiencing gambling harms in the first place. This is why we are calling for a more strategic government-led approach, greater investment in prevention and treatment programmes to address gambling harm in Great Britain, and increased regulation of gambling advertising.”