Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds

Almost two thirds of people state that gambling advertising is "everywhere" as a charity required a national conversation to assist those suffering harm.


GambleAware advised individuals to "open" after a study suggested 67% of the public think there is still stigma around gambling damages, and cautioned that anybody could be at danger - including children.


It unveiled a setup unveiled at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing gambling harm.


A research study for the charity found that 31% of people recalled seeing their first gaming advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that betting marketing is "everywhere".


It is very important that those experiencing gambling damage understand that assistance is 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 nationwide discussion to decrease the stigma around gambling damage that is holding individuals back from looking for assistance.


Research from the charity has actually found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with betting conceal their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most major damage do not look for support due to sensations of pity or humiliation.


The project looks for to deal with the related to hazardous gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about betting damage. Only by motivating an open dialogue can we empower people to seek the support they need without judgment.


"Our lives are flooded with gambling marketing and advertising, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a huge negative effect on individuals's lives, even kids. This setup representing the 85,000 kids impacted objectives to shine a light on this pressing problem and encourage meaningful dialogue."


GambleAware is calling for more stringent constraints on betting marketing, saying the addictive nature of gaming products and marketing combined with the ubiquity of gambling advertising meant anybody might be at threat of damage.


Gambling damage preconception can avoid people from opening about gaming and seeking the assistance they need.


As Maia says, you don't need to handle betting harms by yourself. It can cause further pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.


Let's open up about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, said: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for lots of, excessive or problem betting can have unfavorable impacts.


"It's crucial that those experiencing betting harm know that assistance is available without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance project.


"We have striven to better equip our associates to support clients and made a conscious decision to offer a betting block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to help people make decisions that are best for them.


"However, higher collaboration amongst market, government and charities is vital to genuinely tackle monetary harm triggered by excessive or problem betting."


According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by kids are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between buddies or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding hazardous gaming can prevent those in requirement from looking for essential assistance, so we invite this essential project from GambleAware.


"We have actually now introduced a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research, avoidance and treatment, more encouraging the general public conversation around betting damage.


"While the majority of people bet safely, we acknowledge the impact damaging betting can have. That is why we are further strengthening securities for those at danger, executing a stake limit on online slots and stricter guidelines on betting marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) representative stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance method to betting by kids.


"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between buddies or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.


"Advertising must abide by rigorous standards and much safer betting messaging, which promotes more secure gambling tools and signposts help to those concerned about their wagering, is frequently and prominently displayed.


"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most acknowledged gambling brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."


"BGC members and licensed operators have voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to take on issue gaming and gambling associated harm, via a voluntary levy system, consisting of ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 per cent of all problem gamblers getting treatment in Britain.


"This cash is assigned individually of market, most of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is prompting anyone who is worried about how gambling makes them feel to browse its website for advice, tools and assistance.


Anyone fretted about their betting or another person's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, confidential suggestions, tools, and assistance.


YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 individuals who bet in between February 13 and 26.