Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds
Almost two thirds of people state that gambling advertising is "all over" as a charity required a nationwide discussion to help those suffering damage.
GambleAware prompted people to "open" after a study suggested 67% of the public think there is still preconception around betting harms, and alerted that anyone could be at risk - consisting of kids.
It revealed an installation revealed at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing betting harm.
A research study for the charity discovered that 31% of people recalled seeing their very first betting advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that gambling marketing is "everywhere".
It is very important that those experiencing gambling damage understand that support is readily available 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 calling for a national conversation to reduce the preconception around betting harm that is holding individuals back from looking for aid.
Research from the charity has discovered 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 serious harm do not seek assistance due to sensations of embarassment or embarrassment.
The project seeks to deal with the stigma related to harmful gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about gambling damage. Only by motivating an open dialogue can we empower individuals to seek the assistance they need without judgment.
"Our day-to-day lives are inundated with betting marketing and advertising, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a huge negative result on individuals's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children affected to shine a light on this pressing problem and encourage significant discussion."
GambleAware is calling for stricter restrictions on betting marketing, saying the addictive nature of gaming items and marketing integrated with the ubiquity of betting marketing suggested anyone might be at threat of damage.
Gambling damage stigma can avoid people from opening up about betting and looking for the support they need.
As Maia says, you don't need to manage gambling damages by yourself. It can trigger more pressure on yourself and your loved 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 a satisfying activity for many, excessive or problem betting can have negative impacts.
"It is essential that those experiencing gambling harm know that assistance is offered without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance project.
"We have actually worked tough to much better equip our colleagues to support clients and made a mindful decision to provide a betting block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist people make decisions that are ideal for them.
"However, higher partnership amongst industry, government and charities is important to genuinely take on monetary harm brought on by extreme or issue gambling."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of wagering by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab machines, bets in between buddies or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for betting Baroness Twycross stated: "The preconception surrounding harmful gambling can avoid those in requirement from looking for vital assistance, so we welcome this important campaign from GambleAware.
"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on betting profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research study, avoidance and treatment, further motivating the public discussion around gambling harm.
"While many people gamble securely, we identify the effect damaging gaming can have. That is why we are further reinforcing protections for those at threat, executing a stake limitation on online slots and stricter guidelines on gaming marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) representative stated: "BGC members take a zero tolerance approach to wagering by kids.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of wagering by children are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between pals or household, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members.
"Advertising must adhere to strict standards and safer gaming messaging, which promotes more secure gambling tools and signposts help to those concerned about their betting, is regularly and prominently displayed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most recognised betting brand amongst 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have actually willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to deal with problem betting and gaming associated harm, through a voluntary levy system, consisting of ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities currently looking after 85 per cent of all problem gamblers getting treatment in Britain.
"This cash is assigned separately of industry, the majority of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anyone who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to search its website for guidance, tools and support.
Anyone fretted about their betting or another person's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, private suggestions, tools, and assistance.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 individuals who bet between February 13 and 26.