Gambling Act Review: Two thirds of those harmed by gambling demand more support

Gambling is a serious health harm and we welcome discussion to bring this problem to the forefront of addiction issues.

GamCare, the leading provider of gambling support services who operate the National Gambling Helpline, has consulted its audiences to help shape wider UK provisions for those harmed by gambling as 64% of users think more resources should be available to gamblers and their loved ones experiencing negative impacts.

GamCare has put its service users’ views at the heart of its response to the government’s consultation on the review of the current Gambling Act. 343 people responded to a recent survey about how to tackle gambling issues in the UK, and their experiences highlighted the need for:

The survey also highlighted that people harmed by gambling would value:

GamCare’s support and treatment services are available to people with a gambling problem themselves, plus family members and friends who are worried about their loved one, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

More than half, 55%, of people answering GamCare’s survey had received some form of help including talking therapies delivered by gambling charities.

Further views from those affecting by gambling harms including family members and friends speaking to the need for social change to connect those who gamble with the risks from the outset, including:

84% of respondents also said they want to see gambling companies cover the cost of research, education and treatment for gambling harms.

In response to the survey, Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, says:

“The recent pandemic has only increased common risk factors including isolation, boredom and money worries. Young men under 35 make up the majority of those who seek help via our Helpline. We want to encourage anyone who is worried about themselves or a loved one to contact us - we can offer expert advice and arrange for them to get the support they need.

She continued: “The review of the 2005 Gambling Act has come at just the right time as we are climbing out of lockdown in the UK, and the increase those seeking help with their online gambling has become a worrisome problem. We want people to realise the first step is to seek non-judgmental help from our trained advisers after what has been a terribly damaging year for us all.

“Gambling is a serious health harm and we welcome discussion to bring this problem to the forefront of addiction issues, and to ensure we can secure sustainable funds to meet the needs of those affected.”

To find out more, visit www.gamcare.org.uk

For more information contact sophie[email protected] or 07971 563226 katy[email protected] or call 07535135663