Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds
Almost 2 thirds of individuals say that gambling advertising is "everywhere" as a charity called for a national conversation to assist those .
GambleAware urged people to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still preconception around betting harms, and warned that anybody might be at risk - including children.
It unveiled an installation revealed at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing betting harm.
A research study for the charity discovered that 31% of people recalled seeing their first gaming advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that betting marketing is "everywhere".
It is very important that those experiencing betting damage understand that support is readily available without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, together with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to lower the stigma around gambling harm that is holding people back from seeking aid.
Research from the charity has discovered that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with gambling conceal their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most major harm do not seek assistance due to sensations of embarassment or embarrassment.
The project looks for to tackle the stigma associated with damaging gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a national conversation about betting harm. Only by encouraging an open dialogue can we empower individuals to look for the support they need without judgment.
"Our lives are flooded with betting marketing and advertising, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a substantial negative effect on individuals's lives, even children. This installation representing the 85,000 kids impacted aims to shine a light on this pressing problem and motivate meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is requiring stricter restrictions on betting advertising, saying the addicting nature of betting products and advertising combined with the universality of gambling marketing implied anybody could be at risk of damage.
Gambling harm preconception can prevent individuals from opening up about betting and seeking the support they need.
As Maia states, you don't require to handle betting harms on your own. It can trigger more pressure on yourself and your liked ones.
Let's open up about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of consumer vulnerability, said: "While betting can be a pleasurable activity for numerous, extreme or problem gambling can have negative effects.
"It is very important that those experiencing gaming damage understand that assistance is offered without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's continuous Stigma prevention project.
"We have actually striven to much better equip our associates to support customers and made a conscious choice to offer a betting block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to assist people make decisions that are ideal for them.
"However, greater cooperation amongst industry, government and charities is important to truly take on monetary damage brought on by excessive or problem betting."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of betting by kids are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between buddies or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for betting Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding damaging gaming can avoid those in need from looking for crucial assistance, so we invite this important campaign from GambleAware.
"We have actually now introduced a statutory levy on gambling earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research study, prevention and treatment, additional motivating the general public discussion around gambling damage.
"While many people bet safely, we acknowledge the impact damaging gaming can have. That is why we are additional reinforcing securities for those at risk, carrying out a stake limit on online slots and more stringent guidelines on betting marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance approach to wagering by children.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets in between good friends or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising should abide by rigorous standards and safer betting messaging, which promotes more secure gambling tools and signposts help to those worried about their wagering, is frequently and prominently showed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most identified betting brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to take on problem gambling and gaming associated harm, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 percent of all problem bettors getting treatment in Britain.
"This cash is allocated separately of industry, most of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is urging anybody who is worried about how gambling makes them feel to search its site for recommendations, tools and assistance.
Anyone stressed over their gaming or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 for free, private guidance, tools, and assistance.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 adults and 750 individuals who gamble between February 13 and 26.