Self referrals to gambling support surge by 50%

The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which was launched in 2023 as a coordinated, tiered system to provide support to people struggling with gambling-related harm, has seen a significant uptick in demand during its second year of operation. Newly released figures show a dramatic rise of over 50% in self-referrals, suggesting a combination of increased awareness about available resources and growing concern about gambling addiction across the UK.

Since its inception, the network has reached over 110,000 people, offering a broad range of support services that align with the severity of each case. These include early-stage conversations, non-residential interventions, and full residential rehabilitation programs, all tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals at different stages of gambling harm.

A dynamic approach to treatment and care

The structure of the NGSN is designed to be both flexible and responsive. It utilizes a three-tiered care model, allowing it to adapt to the wide variety of cases it encounters. This includes offering brief early interventions for those who may only just be showing signs of risky behavior, all the way up to immersive, long-term support for individuals whose gambling has had a severe and deeply entrenched impact on their lives.

A key feature of the NGSN’s model is its “region-first” strategy, which prioritizes localized service delivery. By working closely with community-based organizations and charities, the network ensures that help is accessible and grounded in the unique needs of each region. This decentralization helps build trust and allows for culturally relevant and geographically appropriate care, while maintaining consistency in standards and outcomes.

More people are seeking help voluntarily

One of the most telling indicators of progress is the sharp rise in self-referrals to the network. More people than ever are actively seeking support without being prompted by the criminal justice system, employers, or family members. This trend reflects a growing societal acceptance that gambling addiction is a legitimate and treatable mental health issue, rather than a moral failing or lack of willpower.

Brief interventions, in particular, have nearly doubled year-on-year. These short-term, focused engagements are aimed at halting the progression of harmful gambling behaviors. According to the latest figures, more than 21,000 people benefited from these interventions in the network’s second year, a 93% increase compared to the first.

Such interventions can include motivational conversations, risk assessment, and guidance on how to access further support. Often, they act as an entry point into more comprehensive treatment services when needed.

Efficiency and speed remain central to the network’s success

In spite of this rapid increase in demand, the NGSN has managed to maintain a remarkably short average wait time for an initial assessment—just two days. This efficiency is crucial, as individuals in the midst of crisis often experience rapid psychological deterioration, financial collapse, and heightened suicide risk if left unsupported.

The ability to offer swift access to care has reinforced the network’s credibility and effectiveness, helping to build stronger public trust and ensuring those in distress do not fall through the cracks while waiting for help.

National leadership backs the strategy

Anna Hargrave, Deputy Chief Executive of GambleAware—the organization that commissions the NGSN—underscored the significance of the progress made during the network’s second year.

“The second year of the National Gambling Support Network presented an opportunity to take the learnings from year one and focus on how we can best support those affected by gambling harms,” Hargrave said. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of people being supported and, importantly, an increase in brief interventions and self-referrals, which means we can support people earlier and reduce the potential for further harm.”

She added: “The expertise within the network is unrivalled, and providers play a key role in helping people across the country, whether that be at the start of their journey or supporting them at the end.”

Looking to the future, Hargrave said, “We look forward to working with the future commissioners and the NGSN with the integration of the network into the future system to ensure providers can continue offering their crucial services.”

The broader consequences of gambling harm

While the network’s growth and the number of people receiving help is encouraging, gambling addiction continues to have a wide-reaching and often devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Joy Allen, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, has been a vocal advocate for treating gambling harm with the same seriousness as substance abuse.

“Gambling, like any addiction, has the power to completely control the lives of those affected and those closest to them,” Allen said. “It can negatively impact individuals financially, emotionally, socially and in terms of their mental wellbeing.”

Allen made a strong case for reframing gambling addiction as a public health issue. “We need to think of gambling addiction in the same way in which we think of and support those with drugs and alcohol addiction. It is an illness that can lead people to commit crime to feed their addiction and those in its thrall need rehabilitation, not censure.”

Gambling-related suicides underline the gravity of the crisis

Perhaps most alarmingly, Allen pointed to the stark reality of gambling-related suicides. An estimated 500 people die by suicide each year in England due to gambling problems, a statistic that emphasizes the profound mental health crisis at the heart of the gambling epidemic.

“It can certainly lead to abject misery,” she said. “Highlighting the urgent need to encourage more people to seek help.”

This tragic statistic strengthens the argument for early intervention, increased funding, and greater public awareness campaigns designed to reduce stigma and encourage more people to come forward before reaching crisis point.

Targeted education campaigns for younger audiences

Preventing gambling addiction also means addressing the root causes early, especially among young people who are increasingly exposed to gambling-like behaviors through video games, online betting, and advertising.

Charitable organizations such as Ygam (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust) are stepping up to fill this gap. Their recent partnership with TSB Bank focuses on educating school-age children and teenagers about the dangers of gambling. This initiative includes outreach in schools and community centers, aiming to build resilience among youth and teach them how to recognize and resist harmful behaviors.

By partnering with financial institutions, Ygam brings together financial literacy and gambling harm prevention—equipping young people with the tools to make informed choices and understand the long-term implications of problem gambling.

Regional disparities and targeted law enforcement training

In the North East of England, gambling harm remains disproportionately high. Allen noted that in 2023, roughly 5% of individuals aged 16 and above were classified as “at risk” gamblers. These individuals often fall into cycles of loss-chasing and financial instability, which contribute to stress, anxiety, and relationship breakdowns.

To address this, Durham Constabulary has taken the proactive step of signing the National Gambling Charter. This move commits the police force to training officers to identify signs of gambling-related distress and guide affected individuals toward the appropriate support services.

“I urge other organisations to do the same,” said Allen. “Collectively we can, and will, do more.”

National helpline and broader support infrastructure

Complementing the services provided by the NGSN is the National Gambling Helpline, which takes over 55,000 calls each year. This helpline serves as a vital first point of contact for many people in crisis, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and, where necessary, facilitating direct referrals into the NGSN’s broader network of care.

Together, these two resources form the backbone of the UK’s national response to gambling harm. Operated under the direction of GambleAware, the system benefits from a central governance model with a clear mandate: to reduce gambling-related harm through accessible, evidence-based treatment, robust education campaigns, and ongoing research.

Sustained progress requires continued commitment

The data from the NGSN’s second year provides a mixture of encouragement and warning. While it's clear that more people are seeking and receiving help than ever before, the underlying issues driving gambling addiction—aggressive advertising, easy access to online betting, and insufficient regulation—remain persistent challenges.

The success of the NGSN in scaling up services, maintaining short wait times, and expanding public engagement offers a strong foundation for continued efforts. However, long-term progress will depend on consistent funding, policy alignment, and increased public awareness.

As stakeholders from law enforcement, education, healthcare, and the charity sector continue to collaborate, the UK can move toward a future in which gambling harm is not only recognized but effectively managed—and ultimately prevented—through a compassionate, coordinated national response.

Conclusion

The surge in self-referrals to the National Gambling Support Network marks a pivotal moment in the fight against gambling-related harm in the United Kingdom. As more individuals come forward to seek help, the data highlights not only the increasing demand for support but also a growing awareness and willingness to address the issue proactively. The network's tiered model of care, quick access to services, and focus on early intervention have proven to be vital tools in mitigating the long-term consequences of gambling addiction.

With strong leadership from organizations like GambleAware and committed voices from public figures such as Joy Allen, the national conversation around gambling is shifting toward a health-focused, compassionate approach. The integration of education initiatives and cross-sector collaboration further emphasizes the need for a united response to this public health crisis.

While the statistics reveal a troubling rise in problem gambling, they also reflect a system that is evolving to meet the challenge. Continued investment, awareness, and coordination will be crucial in building on this progress, ensuring that anyone affected by gambling harm has access to the care, support, and understanding they need to recover and rebuild.

FAQs

What is the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN)?
The NGSN is a UK-based organization that provides free, confidential treatment for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, using a tiered support system.

How many people has the NGSN helped since it launched?
Since its launch in 2023, the NGSN has supported over 110,000 people across its three tiers of care.

What are brief interventions and why are they important?
Brief interventions are short-term strategies aimed at early-stage gamblers to prevent further harm and guide them to more intensive care if needed.

How long is the average wait time for support?
The average waiting time for a first assessment through the NGSN is currently just two days.

What is GambleAware's role in the NGSN?
GambleAware commissions the NGSN and the National Gambling Helpline, ensuring both services are available to the public free of charge.

What is the National Gambling Charter?
It is a commitment signed by law enforcement and other organizations to recognize and address gambling harm through training and proactive support.

What impact does gambling addiction have on society?
Gambling addiction can lead to financial ruin, mental health issues, criminal behavior, and even suicide, making it a serious public health issue.

Are younger people being educated about gambling harms?
Yes, charities like Ygam have partnered with organizations like TSB Bank to run educational programs aimed at preventing gambling harm among youth.

What is the relationship between gambling and suicide?
It is estimated that around 500 suicides annually in England are related to gambling harm, indicating a strong link between addiction and mental health crises.

How can someone access help through the NGSN?
Individuals can self-refer through the National Gambling Helpline or local service providers to access tailored support from the NGSN.