Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds
Almost 2 thirds of individuals state that betting marketing is "everywhere" as a charity called for a national discussion to assist those suffering harm.
GambleAware advised individuals to "open up" after a study suggested 67% of the general public believe there is still stigma around betting damages, and warned that anyone might be at danger - including kids.
It unveiled an at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing gambling damage.
A research study for the charity found that 31% of individuals remembered seeing their very first gambling advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that gambling marketing is "all over".
It is very important that those experiencing gambling harm understand that assistance 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 calling for a nationwide discussion to lower the preconception around gambling damage that is holding people back from seeking help.
Research from the charity has found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with betting hide their activities from their family and buddies, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious damage do not look for support due to sensations of pity or embarrassment.
The campaign seeks to deal with the preconception connected with hazardous betting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, primary executive of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about betting harm. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to look for the assistance they need without judgment.
"Our lives are flooded with gambling marketing and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a substantial negative impact on individuals's lives, even kids. This setup representing the 85,000 children affected aims to shine a light on this pushing concern and motivate significant discussion."
GambleAware is requiring stricter restrictions on betting marketing, stating the addictive nature of betting items and advertising integrated with the ubiquity of gambling advertising suggested anyone might be at threat of damage.
Gambling harm preconception can avoid people from opening about gambling and looking for the support they need.
As Maia says, you don't require to manage betting damages by yourself. It can cause further 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 consumer vulnerability, said: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for lots of, extreme or issue betting can have negative effects.
"It's essential that those experiencing gambling damage know that support is readily available without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance campaign.
"We have worked difficult to better equip our coworkers to support customers and made a mindful decision to offer a betting block with a 72-hour cooling off period to help individuals make decisions that are ideal for them.
"However, greater cooperation among market, federal government and charities is vital to truly tackle financial harm triggered by extreme or issue gambling."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab machines, bets between pals or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding harmful gambling can avoid those in need from looking for vital assistance, so we welcome this crucial project from GambleAware.
"We have actually now introduced a statutory levy on betting profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research, prevention and treatment, additional motivating the public conversation around betting damage.
"While the majority of people gamble safely, we identify the impact hazardous betting can have. That is why we are additional enhancing defenses for those at threat, implementing a stake limitation on online slots and stricter rules on gaming marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) representative stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance approach to wagering by children.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of betting by kids are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab machines, bets between friends or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising needs to abide by rigorous guidelines and much safer gaming messaging, which promotes more secure gaming tools and signposts assist to those concerned about their betting, is regularly and prominently showed.
"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most recognised gambling brand name among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to take on issue betting and gaming related harm, through a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities presently taking care of 85 percent of all problem gamblers receiving treatment in Britain.
"This cash is allocated independently of market, the majority of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is advising anyone who is concerned about how gambling makes them feel to browse its site for guidance, tools and assistance.
Anyone stressed over their gambling 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 people who gamble in between February 13 and 26.