Report affirms Ygam’s leading role in gambling harm prevention

The latest Ygam impact report reiterates the integral role that the charity plays in preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people.

Between January 2024 to March 2025, Ygam trained nearly 10,000 delegates and reached and estimated 1.3 million children and young people across the UK – the highest reach figure since its inception in 2014. Recognised as the UK’s leading charity dedicated to prevention gambling harms among young people, Ygam has continued to set the standard in the sector.

The charity has significantly strengthened its focus on data, evaluation, and evidence-based practice, commissioning independent evaluations of four of its flagship programmes. These evaluations have generated robust insights into the long-term effectiveness of Ygam’s approach and are helping to shape the future of prevention education across the UK.

This report brings together a rich body of evidence, including independent evaluations, pre- and post-training feedback, and delegate testimonials – compiled to inform strategic direction and long-term effect.

Ygam’s growing prominence is reflected in its expanding reputation and influence across the youth sector. The charity continues to build strong partnerships with schools, universities, youth organisations, and community groups, ensuring its resources are embedded where they can make the greatest impact. Ygam is now working with esteemed brands including The Scouts, NSPCC, The Children’s Society, TSB Bank, Place2Be, and Barnardo’s.

The charity’s work has also been praised by Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross, who welcomed the publication of the report.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Baroness Twycross, said:  “I welcome this report, which highlights Ygam’s vital role in educating more than one million young people on how to lead safer digital lives.

One of my key priorities as gambling minister is to strengthen protections around those most vulnerable to harmful gambling and I look forward to collaborating with Ygam in future as we continue to build a safer online space for young people.”

Helen Martin, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive at Ygam, said: “I’m incredibly proud to present this impact report, which highlights Ygam’s leading role in the prevention field and our recognised expertise in safeguarding children and young people. Central to our success is a strong commitment to collaboration and the transformative power of partnership.

I’m delighted with the strides we’ve made in evaluating our work. While our reach figures are impressive, they represent just one facet of the significant impact we are achieving. By investing time and resources in rigorous evaluation, we ensure our programmes are not only evidence-based but also exemplify best-in-class standards and deliver lasting impact.

Our dedication to thorough evaluation, ongoing learning, and reflective practice empowers us to continually enhance our approach and meet the evolving needs of the communities we support. This commitment will continue to reinforce our position as trusted experts in the field.”

Key findings of the Impact Report 2024/2025:

• 1,324,416 estimated young people reach through delegates trained.
• 9,448 delegates trained in positions of care and influence over young people, including 3,762 teachers and youth workers.
• 1 million social media impressions, marking 322% increase from 2023.
• 97% of delegates would recommend Ygam training to a colleague.
• 97% of delegates felt better equipped to identify and respond to gambling harms following Ygam training.
• 50% of teachers and youth workers said they had implemented the Ygam materials in their classroom within 12 months of completing the training.
• 2,134 volunteer leaders were reached through the Scout Association partnership, safeguarding an estimated 45,000 children and young people.
• 50 universities visited across the UK.
• 115,000 estimated university students reach.

This report reinforces the charity’s commitment to independent evaluation, learning, and reflection, which helps to continuously strengthen their our own portfolio and harm prevention efforts across the wider sector.

You can read Ygam’s full Impact Report 2024-5 here.