GambleAware data shows support for gambling harm is “highly effective”
Statistics show 88% of people who received treatment reported an improvement in their condition
Latest figures released by GambleAware show that nine in 10 people who received treatment from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) saw an improvement in their condition.
The figures come from the latest NGTS dataset between 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, which included details on more than 6,000 people who were treated in the 12-month period.
The report detailed that there had been a 24% year-on-year increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline, from 10,545 to 13,080, yet despite the “considerable demand” support had continued to have a positive impact.
The overall statistics showed that half of those who received treatment were seen within five days or less of being referred and 75% were seen within nine days.
Of those who had received treatment, online gambling was the most common form of gambling at 67% and 61% said it was their main gambling location.
Slots was the largest online vertical at 37%, followed by sports betting at 15% and table games at 9%.
Younger people leaned towards online gambling, with 83% of people aged under 25 saying they gambled online.
Almost three quarters of those aged between 25 and 29 said they gambled online while the percentage of people aged between 30 and 34 who gambled online was 69%.
The data showed that 57% of people used a self-exclusion tool, though 17% said they were able to circumvent it.
The released data comes ahead of the government’s proposed switch to a statutory levy from a voluntary one.
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, said: “We welcome the government’s forthcoming statutory levy on gambling operators – it is a measure we have long called for to make sure that funding for vital research, treatment and prevention of gambling harms is both long-term and transparent.
“However, the focus on specialist-led services means right now, hundreds of dedicated third sector support workers are deeply concerned about their future and the future of the communities they serve.
“There is an urgent need for reassurance from government that these essential services will be protected during and following the transition. We cannot lose the vast years of experience and expertise contained in the National Gambling Support Network and the wider third sector,” she added.