Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
As new data shows gambling participation is back to pre-pandemic levels, the charity GambleAware has warned that an estimated 1.4 million people are experiencing harms from their gambling. The figures come as GambleAware launches a campaign to raise awareness of treatment and support available through the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS).
Working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations, the NGTS provides free, confidential support through telephone, website, face to face, group and residential therapy – with services shown to help 92% of those who completed treatment to improve their condition.
Last year alone, the NGTS helped roughly 8,500 people across the country, however, GambleAware’s figures show that for every person who gets NGTS support each year, there are nearly 160 others who could benefit but don’t get the help they need.
Commenting on the figures Dr Hilary Jones said “Despite impacting a significant number of people, gambling harms are often poorly understood and under-reported. This is partially because the impact harmful gambling can have on people’s lives is incredibly varied, complex, and too often hidden. Being one of the estimated 1.4 million experiencing harms from gambling could mean you may be struggling with a number of consequences which go far beyond just financial debt and could include both mental and physical health.”
The National Gambling Treatment Service campaign coincides with the publication of new data from the Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of GambleAware. The survey provides the latest evidence on the scale of gambling harms, including the number of people affected by someone else’s gambling. It shows the significant and varied impact gambling has on people across Great Britain, and the barriers or motivations for accessing help. Among gamblers who did access support, the most common reason for doing so was a concern about their mental health (31%), followed by financial reasons (28%).
Simply knowing that support was available and where to find it is a key factor that would motivate people to access support: among those experiencing gambling harms, more than one in four (27%) mentioned this as something that would make them get help. The survey also shows how the attitudes and perceptions of loved ones can affect whether someone gets help for their gambling. While speaking with a partner or family member was an important motivator for seeking help (identified by 19% of people experiencing gambling harms), the fear of others finding out about their gambling problems represented the single biggest barrier – mentioned by one in four people experiencing gambling harms (24%). GambleAware has partnered with both leading experts and influential voices to challenge misconceptions and stigma around gambling harms and treatment.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware said “For many years, the National Gambling Treatment Service has been working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations to provide free, confidential support that is effective and easy to access. While we’re proud to have enabled over 200,000 people over the past six years to get the help they need, we know there are many more out there who also need help. Our message to anyone struggling or worried about their loved ones is that you are not alone. If gambling is taking up too much of your life, call the helpline or use the online chat, both available 24/7, and speak to an expert today.”
