GambleAware has published its latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey, highlighting a disconcerting increase in people seeking problem gambling support. While this figure attests to the increased visibility of support services, it also suggests an increase in gambling harm in the UK.
Many People Are Seeking Problem Gambling Support
The Annual Treatment and Support Survey 2024 shows that the number of people seeking help for gambling-related problems has almost doubled in the past few years. According to GambleAware, 17% of all gambling adults sought help in 2020 – a number that has increased to a staggering 30% in 2024.
GambleAware recognized the silver lining, which is that support services are now more visible than ever. However, the charity expressed concern about the increase, saying that it statistically means that approximately 3.8% of British adults are experiencing gambling harm (up from 2.4% in 2020).
The British charity added that the number of people contacting problem gambling support services because they’ve been affected by a loved one’s gambling has increased from 6% in 2020 to 8% in 2024. GambleAware noted that the latter figure is equivalent to roughly 4.3 million adults. It also said that this means that as many as 2 million children may be living in households with an adult experiencing problem gambling.
And, speaking of children, GambleAware found widespread support for restrictions on gambling advertising in formats popular with children, with 91% supporting a ban on TV and video game gambling ads and 90% supporting a ban on gambling ads on social media.
Prize Draws Carry Problem Gambling Risks
GambleAware’s latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey also suggested new links between gambling harm and prize draws. The charity cited Omaze and McDonald’s Monopoly as examples of products fueling gambling addiction since 27% of all people experiencing risks of problem gambling were taking part in prize draws.
GambleAware added that roughly 11% of people who gamble were estimated to be experiencing harm because of prize draws in particular.
The charity noted that prize draws are not regulated as gambling, but warned that their similarities to real money games of chance could lead to certain risks and, at the very least, could normalize gambling to children and young people.
GambleAware Says the UK Must Do More to Prevent Harm
GambleAware’s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, commented on the results of the latest survey, emphasizing that gambling can be very addictive and can damage people’s financial stability and relationships. She said that the number of people seeking the charity’s help has been both encouraging and concerning.
We are increasingly alarmed by how gambling is being normalized and how frequently people—especially young people—are exposed to gambling across Great Britain.
Zoë Osmond, CEO, GambleAware
Osmond said that the UK must do more to stop gambling’s portrayal as harmless, inform players of the dangers, and regulate ads, sponsorships, and gambling products. She encouraged a complete ban on on-stadium promotions since many young people and other vulnerable groups enjoy sports.
In the meantime, GambleAware continues to prepare for its managed closure as Britain’s gambling reforms continue.