GambleAware survey reveals rise in gambling harms

The latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey published by GambleAware has revealed a significant increase in the number of people in the United Kingdom seeking help for gambling-related issues. The findings, based on large-scale survey data collected by YouGov, highlight what experts describe as a growing public health concern, with gambling harms now affecting not only individuals but also their families and communities.

The survey shows that almost one in three adults who gamble and are identified as being at risk are now actively seeking treatment, support, or advice. This represents a dramatic increase compared to the 17% recorded just four years earlier in 2020. For GambleAware, a charity at the forefront of addressing gambling harms in the UK, the figures underline both progress in awareness and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.

Increasing demand for treatment and support

One of the key findings from the survey is that around 30% of adults who gamble and fall into the “at-risk” category are now seeking support. In absolute terms, this represents millions of people across the country. The rise is being interpreted by GambleAware as a mixed signal: on one hand, more people are recognising the problem and seeking assistance, but on the other hand, the growing figures may also reflect the escalating scale of gambling-related harms.

The report also estimates that 4.3 million adults in the UK are negatively affected by another person’s gambling. This marks an increase from 6% of the adult population in 2020 to 8% in 2024. Such secondary harms range from financial distress and family breakdowns to mental health issues among spouses, partners, and even colleagues of individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Adding to this concern, around 2 million children are estimated to be living in households where at least one adult experiences problem gambling. These children are considered to be at heightened risk of emotional distress, neglect, or exposure to unhealthy behaviours that could normalise gambling in their formative years.

Concerns over prize draws and hidden risks

The survey did not only focus on traditional forms of gambling such as betting shops, casinos, and online platforms. It also looked at prize draws and other promotional competitions that are sometimes perceived as harmless entertainment. The findings indicate that more than a quarter of individuals who participate in prize draws are at some level of risk from gambling-related harms.

Alarmingly, 11% of respondents who engage in prize draws were found to meet the criteria for problem gambling. This challenges the common assumption that prize draws are low-risk or entirely distinct from gambling. According to GambleAware, these findings suggest that consumer-facing companies offering prize draws must carefully consider whether their activities could inadvertently expose people to gambling-related harm.

Public opinion on children’s exposure to gambling

Public sentiment around the exposure of children and young people to gambling remains overwhelmingly critical. The survey reports that 91% of respondents support a ban on gambling advertising in television shows and video games. Similarly, 90% support restricting gambling promotion on social media platforms, where young audiences are particularly active.

This level of public consensus underscores widespread concern over the role of advertising in normalising gambling for children. Critics argue that promotional materials often use bright colours, engaging music, and social media influencers, all of which can appeal to younger demographics. The data suggests that parents and communities are strongly in favour of greater regulatory intervention to protect children.

Long-term monitoring by YouGov

The Annual Treatment and Support Survey has been conducted annually by YouGov since 2019. With an online sample size of approximately 18,000 participants, the study is considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the UK.

Kate Gosschalk, Associate Director at YouGov, commented on the value of the research: “We are pleased to share the findings from the latest annual Treatment and Support Survey, a substantial online survey of around 18,000 people in addition to interviews with those who gamble.”

By combining large-scale quantitative data with qualitative interviews, the survey provides insights into the lived experiences of people dealing with gambling harm. This approach allows policymakers, researchers, and treatment providers to understand not only the prevalence of the problem but also the complex ways it affects lives.

Statements from GambleAware leadership

Zoë Osmond OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GambleAware, stressed the seriousness of the findings. She stated:

“Gambling can be highly addictive, with devastating impacts on people’s lives, relationships and financial stability. While it is encouraging that more people have sought help, this rise may also point to a growing public health crisis.”

Her remarks highlight a delicate balance between optimism and concern. On one hand, the increasing willingness to seek treatment signals that public awareness campaigns may be working. On the other hand, the scale of the issue suggests that systemic challenges remain.

Transition to a new statutory system

The rise in demand for treatment and support comes at a pivotal moment for GambleAware. The organisation is preparing for a managed closure by March 2026, as the UK transitions towards a new statutory system of government-led commissioning for gambling treatment and support services.

This shift means that responsibility for funding and coordinating gambling harm interventions will move from voluntary charitable structures to formal government oversight. While some experts believe this could lead to more stable funding and broader access to care, others warn of potential bureaucratic delays or gaps during the transition.

For GambleAware, the next two years will be crucial in ensuring that those currently relying on its services are not left without adequate support. The organisation has stated its commitment to working closely with government partners, healthcare providers, and the wider public health sector to safeguard continuity of care.

Broader implications for public health policy

The findings from the survey have significant implications for public health policy in the United Kingdom. With millions of adults and children affected directly or indirectly, gambling harm is increasingly being recognised not as a niche issue but as a widespread public health challenge.

Experts argue that gambling harms can be compared to other health crises such as alcohol abuse or smoking. The impacts often extend beyond the individual gambler, creating ripple effects across families, workplaces, and communities. In this context, the growing demand for treatment may serve as a warning sign that current safeguards are insufficient.

The role of regulation and prevention

Many campaigners are calling for stronger regulatory measures to protect vulnerable individuals. These include stricter advertising restrictions, enhanced affordability checks for online gambling, and increased funding for independent treatment services.

The debate also extends to the role of technology. With the rapid growth of online platforms, gambling has become more accessible than ever before. While technology offers opportunities for harm reduction through data monitoring and self-exclusion tools, it also increases the risk of addiction by enabling constant availability.

Looking ahead

As the UK prepares for a statutory system of gambling harm support, the coming years will be decisive in shaping the future of regulation, treatment, and public awareness. The survey’s findings provide both a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead and a potential roadmap for reform.

For GambleAware, the task remains urgent: to use the time remaining before its closure to strengthen public understanding, expand support services, and ensure a smooth handover to government-led structures.

Conclusion

The latest findings from GambleAware’s Annual Treatment and Support Survey provide a sobering view of the state of gambling-related harms in the United Kingdom. While the growing number of individuals seeking treatment and advice may indicate progress in awareness, it also highlights the deepening scale of the problem. Millions of adults and children continue to be affected, whether directly through gambling or indirectly as family members and dependents.

The survey also underscores that gambling harms are not confined to traditional betting activities but extend to prize draws and other seemingly harmless forms of participation. Public concern, particularly regarding children’s exposure to gambling advertising, shows an overwhelming appetite for stronger safeguards.

As the UK prepares to transition from a charity-led framework to a statutory system of government-led support, the challenge will be to ensure continuity, accessibility, and effectiveness in addressing gambling harms. The coming years will be critical in determining whether rising demand for support can be met with adequate resources and protective measures.

For policymakers, regulators, and public health professionals, the message is clear: gambling harm is not a marginal issue but a pressing public health challenge that requires sustained, coordinated action.

FAQs

What is GambleAware?
GambleAware is a UK-based independent charity that funds research, prevention, and treatment services aimed at reducing gambling harms.

What did the latest survey reveal?
The survey showed that nearly one in three adults at risk from gambling are now seeking treatment, support, or advice, a sharp increase from 2020.

How many people are affected by gambling harm in the UK?
It is estimated that 4.3 million adults are affected by another person’s gambling, and around 2 million children live in households impacted by problem gambling.

Are prize draws linked to gambling problems?
Yes, the survey found that more than a quarter of prize draw participants are at risk, with 11% meeting criteria for problem gambling.

What are public views on gambling advertising for children?
The majority of respondents support banning gambling ads on television, video games, and social media to reduce children’s exposure.

Who conducts the survey for GambleAware?
The survey is carried out by YouGov and has been running annually since 2019 with around 18,000 participants.

What did GambleAware’s CEO say about the findings?
Zoë Osmond OBE stated that gambling can have devastating impacts and warned that the rise in people seeking help may signal a public health crisis.

Why is GambleAware closing in 2026?
The organisation is preparing for a managed closure as the UK transitions to a statutory government-led system for gambling treatment services.

How could the new statutory system help?
Government-led commissioning may provide more consistent funding and wider access to services, though challenges remain during the transition.

What measures are being proposed to reduce gambling harm?
Proposals include stricter advertising rules, affordability checks, technological harm-reduction tools, and increased public health interventions.