GambleAware has recently unveiled its Annual Treatment and Support Survey, conducted by YouGov, which highlights critical insights into the prevalence of gambling-related harm in Great Britain. The survey, carried out in November 2023, included responses from 18,178 adults and provides a comprehensive look into how gambling impacts individuals, families, and communities. The report unveils concerning statistics and trends, calling for immediate policy action to address the growing issue of gambling harm.
GambleAware Annual Treatment and Support Survey Reveals Alarming Trends in Gambling Harm
Key Findings of the 2023 Survey
Prevalence of Problem Gambling Among Children
The survey reveals that 1.65 million children under the age of 18 are living in households where at least one adult is struggling with problem gambling. This exposure to gambling-related issues at a young age is highly troubling, as it significantly increases the likelihood of children developing gambling problems in the future. The data shows that children from such households are four times more likely to experience problem gambling themselves later in life, with a prevalence rate of 8% compared to 2% among those not affected by problem gambling in the family.
Legacy Harms of Gambling
For the first time, the report also addresses the concept of legacy harms—the lingering effects experienced by individuals who have previously engaged in gambling activities. These legacy harms include both financial and physical health impacts. The survey data indicates that 18% of respondents who had previously gambled reported experiencing urges to gamble again within the last six months, underlining the ongoing nature of gambling-related issues.
Call for Policy Change
In response to the survey findings, GambleAware has emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to combat the normalization of gambling in daily life and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and young people. The organization has proposed several key measures:
- Pre-Watershed Ban on TV Advertising: Implementing a ban on gambling advertisements before the watershed period to reduce the exposure of children and young people to gambling content.
- Enhanced Health Warnings: Improving the visibility and impact of health warnings on all gambling advertisements to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
- Ban on Gambling Marketing at Sporting Events: Prohibiting gambling promotions at sports events to prevent the association of gambling with sports and reduce its appeal to younger audiences.
Statements from Key Figures
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, highlighted the alarming connection between early exposure to gambling and increased risk of harm in later life. Osmond emphasized the need to break down the stigma surrounding gambling issues and promote open discussions about gambling harm. She also called for a more strategic, government-led approach to tackle gambling problems, advocating for increased investment in prevention and treatment programs and stricter regulation of gambling advertising.
Gary Aurivel, COO of CasinoSecret, echoed the sentiment that addressing gambling harms requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. He underscored the importance of aligning efforts to create effective interventions and support systems for individuals affected by gambling issues.
GambleAware’s Strategic Recommendations
- Government-Led Approach
GambleAware advocates for a strategic, government-led approach to address gambling harm comprehensively. This includes the development of policies that not only regulate gambling practices but also support research into gambling behaviors and the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs.
- Investment in Prevention and Treatment
To mitigate the impact of gambling harm, GambleAware is calling for increased investment in both prevention strategies and treatment services. This includes funding for programs that educate individuals about the risks of gambling and providing accessible treatment options for those struggling with gambling addiction.
- Regulation of Gambling Advertising
Stricter regulations on gambling advertising are crucial to reducing its appeal, especially to younger audiences. GambleAware’s recommendations include enhancing health warnings on advertisements and banning gambling marketing at sports events to diminish the normalization of gambling.
Conclusion: The Annual Treatment and Support Survey
The Annual Treatment and Support Survey conducted by GambleAware highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gambling harm in Great Britain. With a significant number of children affected by problem gambling in their households and the rise of legacy harms among former gamblers, it is imperative that policymakers, organizations, and communities work together to implement effective strategies. By adopting the recommended policy changes and increasing investment in prevention and treatment, we can make strides towards mitigating the impact of gambling on individuals and society as a whole.
FAQs About GambleAware Annual Treatment and Support Survey
1. What is the GambleAware Annual Treatment and Support Survey?
The GambleAware Annual Treatment and Support Survey is a comprehensive study conducted by YouGov to monitor the demand and usage of treatment and support services for gambling harms. The most recent survey, conducted in November 2023, involved 18,178 adults in Great Britain and provides insights into the impact of gambling on individuals and families.
2. What were the key findings of the 2023 survey?
The 2023 survey revealed several significant findings:
- 1.65 million children are living in households with problem gambling.
- Children from these households are four times more likely to develop problem gambling themselves.
- The report introduced the concept of legacy harms, with 18% of former gamblers experiencing urges to gamble again within the last six months.
- There is a need for policy changes to address the normalization of gambling, including a pre-watershed ban on TV advertising and improved health warnings.
3. What is the impact of problem gambling on children?
According to the survey, children living in households where an adult has a gambling problem are four times more likely to experience problem gambling themselves later in life compared to those not exposed to such environments.
4. What are legacy harms in the context of gambling?
Legacy harms refer to the long-lasting effects experienced by individuals who used to gamble. This includes both financial difficulties and negative impacts on physical health. The survey found that 18% of former gamblers reported having urges to gamble again within the past six months.
5. What policy changes is GambleAware advocating for?
GambleAware is calling for several key policy changes to address gambling harms:
- A pre-watershed ban on TV gambling advertisements to reduce exposure to children.
- Enhanced health warnings on gambling advertisements.
- A ban on gambling marketing at sporting events to prevent the normalization of gambling through sports.
6. Who is GambleAware’s Chief Executive and what did they say about the survey?
GambleAware’s Chief Executive is Zoë Osmond. She emphasized the concerning link between early exposure to gambling and future harm, highlighting the need to break down the stigma associated with gambling issues and to implement more strategic government-led approaches.
7. What does GambleAware suggest for improving prevention and treatment of gambling harms?
GambleAware suggests increasing investment in prevention and treatment programs. This includes funding educational programs about the risks of gambling and providing accessible treatment options for those affected by gambling addiction.
8. How does the survey reflect on the normalization of gambling?
The survey indicates that gambling has become normalized in daily life, contributing to an increase in gambling harms. GambleAware’s recommendations include stricter regulations on gambling advertising to combat this normalization.
