The latest annual report from GambleAware sheds light on the performance and outreach of the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) for the period spanning 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. This comprehensive analysis provides a clear picture of the treatment and support offered to individuals grappling with gambling-related challenges. A total of 10,754 people accessed treatment, with services tailored across three defined tiers of intervention.

GambleAware Releases Annual Report: Insights into the National Gambling Support Network 2023/2024

Understanding the Tiered Treatment Approach of the NGSN

Tier Two: Early Intervention and Support

Tier two represents a critical layer of early intervention designed to prevent escalation. This stage focuses on offering preliminary support to individuals exhibiting problem gambling behaviors. Services here often include:

• Engaging with trained professionals for initial assessments.
• Discussing potential routes for further help tailored to the individual’s needs.

Approximately 3,291 people accessed tier two services during this period, and many resolved their concerns without needing further intervention.

Tier Three: Comprehensive Treatment Options

Tier three escalates the level of care, offering structured and personalized treatment plans. This level addresses more severe gambling issues through:

• One-on-one support sessions to explore personal challenges and triggers.
• Group treatment programs that provide peer support and shared experiences.
• Utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address the root causes of gambling behaviors.

In total, 6,931 individuals benefited from these advanced treatment measures, reinforcing the network’s ability to deliver effective care at this critical juncture.

Tier Four: Specialized Residential Care

Tier four is the most intensive form of intervention available within the NGSN. Individuals requiring this level of support are admitted to residential treatment centers, where they receive:

• 24/7 care and supervision tailored to severe gambling disorders.
• Access to specialized programs focusing on long-term recovery and rehabilitation.

During the reported year, 532 people received this form of high-level care, reflecting the NGSN’s capacity to handle complex cases effectively.

Key Highlights from the 2023/2024 Report

Expanded Scope and Community Engagement

In 2023, GambleAware introduced new commissioning arrangements, broadening the NGSN’s mandate to include both prevention and early intervention. This pivotal move has:

• Strengthened ties with local communities, reducing stigma associated with gambling support.
• Lowered barriers to access, making treatment more accessible across diverse demographics.

Improved Reach and Early Identification

The revised strategy has significantly enhanced the network’s ability to identify and support individuals at earlier stages of gambling-related harm.

Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, emphasized the importance of this development, stating: “Our services now work much more closely with local communities, reducing stigma and removing barriers to accessing treatment.”

This proactive approach has directly contributed to the increased number of people receiving support.

Demographics and Service Impact

Profile of Service Users

The report provides valuable insights into the demographics of individuals seeking help:

• 70% of participants identified as male.
• The highest proportion of users fell into the 30-39 age group.
• Notably, 15% of tier two and three users sought support due to someone else’s gambling, marking an increase from the five-year average of 13%.

Accessibility and Responsiveness

Efficiency in access to services remains a hallmark of the NGSN:

• 50% of users secured their first appointment within six days.
• 75% received appointments within 12 days, highlighting the network’s responsiveness.

Treatment Outcomes: Measuring Success

The NGSN’s performance metrics underscore its effectiveness in driving meaningful change:

• 95% of individuals completing treatment reported significant improvements in their well-being.
• The prevalence of ‘problem gambling’ among participants dropped dramatically, from 87% at initial assessment to just 10% post-treatment.

These outcomes reaffirm the network’s role as a cornerstone in addressing gambling-related challenges across the UK.

The Path Forward: Enhancing Support for Gambling Harm

The 2023/2024 statistics illuminate the NGSN’s remarkable progress in expanding its reach and effectiveness. By integrating prevention-focused strategies, fostering stronger community connections, and ensuring timely intervention, the network continues to evolve as a model of excellence in gambling harm reduction.

FAQs About the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) and GambleAware’s 2023/2024 Report

1. What is the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN)?

The NGSN is a network of services commissioned by GambleAware to provide support, treatment, and prevention for gambling-related harms. It operates across multiple levels of intervention, ranging from early support to intensive residential care.

2. How many people received treatment through the NGSN in 2023/2024?

During the period between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, a total of 10,754 individuals accessed treatment and support through the NGSN.

3. What are the different tiers of treatment offered by the NGSN?

The NGSN provides three main tiers of care:

• Tier Two: Early intervention and support for individuals showing initial signs of gambling-related harm.
• Tier Three: Comprehensive treatments, including one-on-one support, group therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Tier Four: Intensive residential treatment for severe gambling issues.

4. How many people accessed each tier of treatment in the 2023/2024 period?

• Tier Two: 3,291 people.
• Tier Three: 6,931 people.
• Tier Four: 532 people.

5. What are the key highlights of GambleAware’s 2023/2024 report?

• Expansion of the NGSN’s scope to include prevention and early intervention.
• Improved accessibility and reduced stigma around seeking gambling support.
• Increased identification of individuals at earlier stages of gambling harm.
• Enhanced collaboration with local communities.

6. What demographics sought help through the NGSN in 2023/2024?

• 70% of service users identified as male.
• The largest age group seeking help was individuals aged 30-39 years old.
• 15% of users in tier two or three sought help due to someone else’s gambling behavior.

7. How quickly can individuals access services through the NGSN?

The NGSN is highly responsive:

• 50% of users received their first appointment within six days.
• 75% of users were seen within 12 days of reaching out.

8. What are the success rates of NGSN treatments?

• 95% of individuals completing treatment reported improvements in their well-being.
• The rate of ‘problem gambling’ among participants fell from 87% to 10% between the start and completion of their treatment.

9. How does tier two differ from tier three treatment?

• Tier Two: Focuses on early intervention and general support, often involving initial discussions with trained professionals.
• Tier Three: Includes more intensive care, such as one-on-one therapy, group sessions, and CBT for individuals with more severe gambling-related issues.

10. What is the role of tier four treatment in the NGSN?

Tier four offers the most specialized level of care, involving residential treatment centers. It is designed for individuals with severe gambling problems requiring intensive, round-the-clock support.

11. Why did GambleAware expand the NGSN’s scope in 2023?

The expansion aimed to integrate prevention and early intervention alongside treatment, enabling earlier identification of at-risk individuals, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to services.

12. How does the NGSN support family members affected by gambling?

Approximately 15% of tier two and three users sought support due to someone else’s gambling. This highlights the NGSN’s role in helping not only individuals with gambling issues but also those affected by the behavior of others.