GambleAware Raises Concern as Demand for Gambling Harm Treatment and Support Almost Doubles Since 2020

GambleAware’s Annual Treatment and Support Survey 2024 shows a sharp increase in people seeking help for gambling-related harm: almost 1 in 3 (30%) adults who gamble and are experiencing any risk of gambling problems want treatment, support or advice — almost doubling from 17% in 2020.

The number of people affected by family or friend’s gambling has increased from 6% in 2020 to 8% in 2024 — now equivalent to an estimated 4.3 million adults in Great Britain. Estimates based on the YouGov survey also show that around 2 million children may be living in households with an adult experiencing “problem gambling”.

The report, which also explored attitudes towards children’s exposure to gambling, found widespread support for more restrictions on gambling advertising in formats popular with children, with 91% supporting a ban on gambling advertising on TV and video games and 90% supporting a ban on social media.

The report provides new evidence on gambling harms associated with prize draws, such as Omaze or McDonald’s Monopoly. More than a quarter (27%) of people who gamble are estimated to be experiencing any of risk of gambling problems from prize draws, and around 1 in 9 (11%) are estimated to be experiencing “problem gambling”.

GambleAware, the leading charity working to tackle gambling harms in Great Britain, has expressed concern about the sharp increase as it could be an indicator of gambling harm as a growing issue across the country. The data also shows an increase in the proportion of adults who are experiencing “problem gambling”, up from 2.4% in 2020 to 3.8% in 2024.

GambleAware’s report also revealed that there has been an increase in the number of people who are affected by a friend or family member’s gambling; which could include anything from losing money or having relationships break down. The proportion of people affected by someone else’s gambling has increased from 6.5% in 2020 to 8.1% in 2024, and is now equivalent to an estimated 4.3 million adults across Great Britain.

Zoë Osmond OBE, CEO of GambleAware, said: “Gambling can be highly addictive, with devastating impacts on people’s lives, relationships and financial stability. While it is encouraging that more people have sought help, this rise may also point to a growing public health crisis. We are increasingly alarmed by how gambling is being normalised and how frequently people—especially young people—are exposed to gambling across Great Britain.

“To reverse this troubling trend, urgent preventative action is needed. This must include tougher regulation of gambling advertising to stop gambling being portrayed as ‘harmless fun’. There should also be mandatory health warnings on all gambling ads, stricter controls on digital and social media marketing, and a full ban on gambling promotion in stadiums and sports venues to protect children and young people from harm.”

Kate Gosschalk, YouGov Associate Director, said: “We are pleased to share the findings from the latest annual Treatment and Support Survey, a substantial online survey of around 18,000 people in addition to interviews with those who gamble. The new data provides valuable insight about gambling harm, including an increase in the number of people seeking support/treatment over the past five years.”