Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds
Almost 2 thirds of people state that betting marketing is "all over" as a charity called for a nationwide discussion to help those suffering damage.
GambleAware prompted people to "open up" after a study suggested 67% of the general public believe there is still stigma around betting harms, and warned that anybody might be at risk - consisting of children.
It unveiled an installation revealed at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing betting damage.
A research study for the charity found that 31% of individuals remembered seeing their very first gaming advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that gambling marketing is "everywhere".
It is necessary that those experiencing betting harm know that support is offered without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, together with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more national organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to reduce the stigma around betting damage that is holding people back from seeking assistance.
Research from the charity has found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with betting hide their activities from their family and good friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious harm do not seek assistance due to sensations of embarassment or humiliation.
The campaign looks for to deal with the stigma connected with damaging gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a nationwide conversation about gambling damage. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to look for the support they need without judgment.
"Our lives are swamped with betting advertising and marketing, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a big unfavorable impact on people's lives, even kids. This setup representing the 85,000 children affected aims to shine a light on this pushing concern and motivate significant discussion."
GambleAware is requiring more stringent constraints on betting advertising, stating the addicting nature of gambling products and marketing integrated with the ubiquity of betting advertising implied anybody might be at danger of damage.
Gambling damage stigma can prevent people from opening up about betting and seeking the assistance they need.
As Maia says, you don't require to manage betting damages on your own. It can cause further pressure on yourself and your liked ones.
Let's open about betting. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability, stated: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for numerous, excessive or problem gaming can have negative effects.
"It is essential that those experiencing betting harm understand that assistance is offered without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance project.
"We have worked tough to much better equip our associates to support clients and made a mindful choice to use a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off period to help people make decisions that are ideal for them.
"However, greater collaboration among market, government and charities is vital to truly deal with financial harm triggered by extreme or issue gaming."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by children are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between good friends or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding harmful gambling can avoid those in need from looking for essential support, so we invite this important campaign from GambleAware.
"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research, prevention and treatment, more encouraging the public conversation around gambling harm.
"While the majority of people gamble securely, we identify the effect damaging gambling can have. That is why we are further reinforcing securities for those at risk, executing a stake limitation on online slots and stricter guidelines on gaming marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman said: "BGC members take a zero tolerance method to wagering by kids.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between buddies or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising must adhere to rigorous guidelines and much safer betting messaging, which promotes safer betting tools and signposts assist to those concerned about their betting, is regularly and plainly showed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most recognised betting brand name amongst 11 to 16."
"BGC members and licensed operators have actually willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to tackle issue gaming and gaming associated damage, through a voluntary levy system, consisting of ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities currently looking after 85 per cent of all issue bettors receiving treatment in Britain.
"This money is assigned separately of industry, the bulk of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anybody who is concerned about how gambling makes them feel to browse its site for advice, tools and support.
Anyone fretted about their betting or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, private advice, tools, and support.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 people who bet in between February 13 and 26.