Majority of Issue Gamblers in Britain Conceal Their Gambling Issue, Reveals GambleAware Report
In an effort to combat gambling addiction and support those affected, GambleAware has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding the issue. The campaign encourages individuals and their families to openly discuss the problem, providing a platform for conversation, support, and resources.
The campaign is based on the findings of a recent study conducted by Ipsos, which surveyed 4,207 people aged 18 to 75 in the UK. The study found that 64 percent of surveyed problem gamblers had never spoken about their addiction, while 39 percent hid their addiction due to fears of discrimination and stigma.
However, the study also revealed that talking about gambling addiction can have significant benefits. 76 percent of problem gamblers who had confided in others reported feeling better afterwards. Moreover, 67 percent of those who eventually confided did so within 12 months, while it took 28 percent over a year. Most of those who confided in someone did so with a family member.
The study explored the reasons for disclosing gambling addiction, with 61 percent saying gambling had significantly impacted their lives. Many respondents felt guilty (17 percent) or feared being judged negatively (13 percent) about their gambling addiction.
The study addressed various types of gambling known to cause problems. Games with immediate wins were found to have a high risk of addiction, with 71 percent of respondents indicating they are "very" or "quite" addictive. Scratch cards and casino card games were also seen as having a high addiction potential by 64 percent and 62 percent of respondents, respectively. Interestingly, betting on e-sports was found to have the lowest addiction potential.
The benefits of discussing gambling addiction, as highlighted by GambleAware, include encouraging people to recognize problematic gambling behaviors and seek treatment or support, providing tools and resources to help individuals reduce or quit gambling, reducing feelings of isolation by normalizing conversations around gambling harms, and supporting public health efforts to address gambling-related harms by increasing awareness and demand for treatment.
The campaign is supported by several well-known personalities, including football commentator Clive Tyldesley and presenter Scott Thomas. Various tests, helpful articles, telephone support, and live chat are available through the campaign. The UK's Minister for Gambling, Stuart Andrew, has also publicly supported the campaign.
This campaign is a crucial step in early identification and intervention, especially among younger populations who show motivation to change their gambling habits. By encouraging open dialogue, we can help individuals overcome their addictions, improve their lives, and mitigate the broader social and health harms associated with gambling addiction.
[1] GambleAwareβs 2024 Treatment and Support Survey data.
- The campaign initiated by GambleAware, targeting online casinos in Germany and other regions, aims to promote open discussions about mental-health issues related to casino-and-gambling, particularly gambling addiction.
- As the health-and-wellness aspect of problem gambling becomes more recognized, science continues to underscore the benefits of discussing mental-health issues, as supported by the findings of Ipsos' recent study.
- Leveraging the support of well-known personalities like Clive Tyldesley and Scott Thomas, alongside resources such as helpful articles, telephone support, and live chat, the campaign encourages intervention in problematic gambling behaviors associated with casino-games like online casinos, e-sports betting, scratch cards, and casino card games.
