GambleAware, the leading gambling harm prevention charity in the UK, has published its latest annual report for the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN). The document highlighted an increase in people being treated for gambling harm, underscoring an increased visibility for the safer gambling services available to players.
More People Were Treated, Data Shows
As reported by GambleAware, the NGSN provided support treatment to almost 11,000 people between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Of these people, 7,500 were provided with structured treatment, marking a 12% increase year-on-year. Treatment options included cognitive behavioral therapy, one-to-one support and residential care.
For the first time, GambleAware’s report also notably included the number of people who received early intervention. According to the charity, 3,291 people received early intervention and support to talk about their gambling. GambleAware added that 3,048 received early intervention, after which they moved on to regular treatment.
Early support is the first tier, for context, is the NGSN first tier of intervention and includes discussions with a trained professional. The second includes one-to-one support, group treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, among others. The final and most specialized tier is focused on residential treatment.
Many People Showed Signs of Improvement
GambleAware’s report highlighted other important figures too. According to the charity, 50% of those looking for treatment had their first appointment within six days of contacting the NGSN. A stellar 75% had their first appointment within a dozen days.
In addition to that, the efficiency of the treatment provided was incredibly encouraging as 95% of those who completed their treatment saw an improvement. Among all people who completed treatment, problem gambling plummeted from 87% to 10% between the first assessment and the completion of the program.
In addition to highlighting the effectiveness of the program, GambleAware also emphasized the risks associated with harm by pointing out that 66% of the people being treated were in debt because of their gambling. Even worse, 24% had experienced a relationship loss while 11% had lost a job.
In addition to an increase in the number of people treated, the charity also noted that 15% of the calls were from affected others seeking support, up from 13%.
GambleAware Has Successfully Reduced Stigma
GambleAware’s chief commissioning and strategy officer, Anna Hargrave, commented on the results, praising the fact that treatment is now more readily-available than ever. She noted that her team has been actively working to reduce the stigma associated with gambling and encourage people to be open about their problems and seek aid.
Not only have we reached more people, we have been able to identify and support people at a much earlier stage and that is part of the reason why we have seen an increase in people receiving treatment and support.
Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning and strategy officer, GambleAware
Hargrave added that the upcoming introduction of the statutory levy would lead to further improvements in the treatment sector.