Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds
Almost two thirds of individuals say that gambling marketing is "all over" as a charity required a national discussion to help those suffering harm.
GambleAware advised individuals to "open up" after a study suggested 67% of the public think there is still stigma around betting harms, and warned that anybody might be at danger - consisting of kids.
It revealed a setup unveiled at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing gambling harm.
A study for the charity found that 31% of people remembered seeing their first betting advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that gambling marketing is "everywhere".
It is necessary that those experiencing gambling damage know that assistance is readily available 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 reduce the stigma around gambling harm that is holding people back from seeking assistance.
Research from the charity has actually found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with gambling hide their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious damage do not look for support due to sensations of shame or shame.
The campaign looks for to take on the preconception associated with damaging betting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about betting damage. Only by motivating an open dialogue can we empower individuals to look for the assistance they need without judgment.
"Our lives are flooded with gambling marketing and marketing, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a big negative result on people's lives, even children. This installation representing the 85,000 children impacted objectives to shine a light on this pressing concern and encourage meaningful dialogue."
GambleAware is requiring stricter restrictions on gambling marketing, saying the addictive nature of betting products and advertising integrated with the ubiquity of betting advertising suggested anyone could be at threat of damage.
Gambling harm preconception can prevent people from opening about gaming and seeking the assistance they require.
As Maia says, you don't need to manage betting harms on your own. It can cause further pressure on yourself and your loved ones.
Let's open about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, said: "While gambling can be a satisfying activity for lots of, excessive or problem gambling can have unfavorable effects.
"It's essential that those experiencing betting damage understand that assistance is readily available without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma prevention project.
"We have actually striven to better equip our coworkers to support customers and made a conscious choice to offer a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to assist individuals make choices that are best for them.
"However, greater partnership amongst market, government and charities is vital to truly take on monetary harm triggered by extreme or issue gambling."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of betting by kids are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between buddies or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding hazardous gambling can prevent those in requirement from seeking essential assistance, so we welcome this crucial project from GambleAware.
"We have now presented a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research study, avoidance and treatment, additional motivating the public conversation around betting harm.
"While many people bet safely, we acknowledge the impact hazardous betting can have. That is why we are further reinforcing securities for those at threat, implementing a stake limit on online slots and stricter guidelines on gambling marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson stated: "BGC members take an absolutely no tolerance method to betting by children.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of wagering by kids are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between pals or household, and for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising needs to adhere to strict guidelines and more secure gambling messaging, which promotes more secure betting tools and signposts help to those concerned about their wagering, is routinely and plainly showed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most recognised gambling brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have actually voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to tackle problem gaming and gaming related damage, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities currently taking care of 85 per cent of all problem gamblers getting treatment in Britain.
"This money is allocated independently of industry, the bulk of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anybody who is worried about how betting makes them feel to search its website for suggestions, tools and assistance.
Anyone stressed over their betting or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, confidential guidance, tools, and assistance.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 people who bet between February 13 and 26.