Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds
Almost 2 thirds of individuals state that betting marketing is "all over" as a charity called for a national discussion to help those suffering damage.
GambleAware advised individuals to "open up" after a survey suggested 67% of the public think there is still stigma around betting harms, and cautioned that anyone could be at threat - including children.
It unveiled a setup revealed at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing betting damage.
A study for the charity found that 31% of people recalled seeing their very first gambling advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that gambling advertising is "everywhere".
It is necessary that those experiencing gaming harm understand that support is offered without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, along with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more national organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to lower the preconception around betting harm that is holding people back from looking for 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 serious harm do not seek support due to sensations of shame or embarrassment.
The project seeks to take on the preconception associated with harmful gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, primary executive of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about gambling harm. Only by encouraging an open discussion can we empower people to look for the support they need without judgment.
"Our daily lives are flooded with gambling advertising and marketing, normalising what is a which can have a substantial unfavorable effect on people's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children impacted aims to shine a light on this pressing problem and encourage meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is requiring more stringent constraints on gambling advertising, saying the addictive nature of gaming items and marketing integrated with the ubiquity of betting advertising meant anyone might be at danger of damage.
Gambling harm stigma can avoid people from opening up about gambling and seeking the assistance they require.
As Maia says, you don't need to handle gambling damages on your own. It can trigger more pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.
Let's open about gaming. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, stated: "While gaming can be an enjoyable activity for numerous, extreme or issue betting can have unfavorable impacts.
"It's crucial that those experiencing betting harm understand that assistance is available without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma prevention project.
"We have actually striven to better equip our coworkers to support consumers and made a conscious decision to use a gaming block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist individuals make choices that are right for them.
"However, higher partnership amongst market, federal government and charities is vital to genuinely tackle monetary damage triggered by extreme or problem gaming."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by kids are legal arcade video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between pals or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding hazardous gaming can prevent those in requirement from seeking important support, so we invite this crucial project from GambleAware.
"We have now introduced a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research, prevention and treatment, more encouraging the public discussion around betting harm.
"While the majority of people bet safely, we acknowledge the impact damaging betting can have. That is why we are more strengthening defenses for those at danger, implementing a stake limit on online slots and more stringent rules on gaming marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) representative stated: "BGC members take an absolutely no tolerance approach to wagering by children.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between pals or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising must adhere to stringent guidelines and much safer betting messaging, which promotes more secure betting tools and signposts help to those concerned about their wagering, is frequently and plainly displayed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most identified gambling brand name among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and licensed operators have voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to take on problem gaming and gaming associated harm, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities currently taking care of 85 per cent of all issue bettors receiving treatment in Britain.
"This cash is designated separately of industry, most of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anyone who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to search its website for advice, tools and support.
Anyone fretted about their gambling or another person'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 individuals who gamble in between February 13 and 26.