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 suffering harm.
GambleAware advised people to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the public think there is still stigma around betting damages, and alerted that anybody could be at threat - consisting of children.
It unveiled an installation revealed at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing gambling harm.
A study for the charity found that 31% of individuals recalled seeing their first betting advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that gambling advertising is "everywhere".
It's essential that those experiencing betting damage understand that support is offered without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, alongside partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is requiring a nationwide discussion to reduce the stigma around gambling damage that is holding individuals back from looking for aid.
Research from the charity has found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with gambling hide their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most major damage do not look for support due to sensations of pity or humiliation.
The campaign seeks to take on the preconception related to harmful gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a nationwide discussion about gambling damage. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to seek the assistance they need without judgment.
"Our every day lives are flooded with gambling advertising and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a substantial negative effect on individuals's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children affected aims to shine a light on this pressing problem and motivate meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is calling for more stringent restrictions on gambling marketing, saying the addicting nature of gaming items and marketing integrated with the ubiquity of betting marketing indicated anyone could be at risk of harm.
Gambling damage preconception can prevent individuals from opening about gaming and seeking the support they require.
As Maia says, you do not need to handle betting harms by yourself. It can cause further pressure on yourself and your liked ones.
Let's open about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, said: "While gambling can be a satisfying activity for lots of, excessive or issue betting can have unfavorable effects.
"It's crucial that those experiencing betting harm understand that assistance is offered without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's continuous Stigma prevention project.
"We have striven to much better equip our colleagues to support consumers and made a mindful decision to provide a gaming block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist people make choices that are right for them.
"However, greater collaboration among market, federal government and charities is vital to really tackle financial damage brought on by excessive or problem gaming."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of wagering by kids are legal arcade video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets in between pals or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for betting Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding harmful gambling can prevent those in need from seeking vital support, so we welcome this essential project from GambleAware.
"We have now introduced a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research study, prevention and treatment, further motivating the public discussion around betting harm.
"While the majority of people gamble safely, we acknowledge the effect hazardous gaming can have. That is why we are further enhancing securities for those at risk, carrying out a stake limit on online slots and stricter guidelines on gambling marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson said: "BGC members take a zero tolerance method to wagering by kids.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by children are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab machines, bets between pals or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising must adhere to stringent guidelines and much safer gaming messaging, which promotes safer gaming tools and signposts assist to those worried about their betting, is regularly and prominently displayed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most identified betting brand name among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have actually over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to take on problem gambling and gambling 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 designated individually of industry, most of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anybody who is worried about how betting makes them feel to browse its website for advice, 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 advice, tools, and support.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 adults and 750 people who bet between February 13 and 26.