GambleAware, a leading organization dedicated to helping those struggling with gambling addiction, has reported a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking their services. According to GambleAware’s National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), there was a 12% year-on-year rise in the number of people receiving support for their gambling issues during the 12 months leading up to March 31, 2024.
During this period, the NGSN provided assistance to 11,000 individuals, with approximately 7,500 of them undergoing structured treatment such as residential care or cognitive behavioral therapy. Many of those who reached out to the NGSN did so through an early intervention service aimed at addressing their gambling habits before they become more severe.
One of the key findings from GambleAware’s report is that 95% of individuals who received treatment showed positive signs of improvement. This highlights the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts in helping individuals overcome their gambling addiction and regain control of their lives.
The report also shed light on the negative impacts of problematic gambling, with two-thirds of individuals seeking help from the NGSN struggling with betting-related debt and nearly a quarter experiencing strained relationships as a result of their behavior. Despite these challenges, the success rate of treatment provided by GambleAware is encouraging, with a high percentage of individuals showing improvement after receiving support.
One of the key strengths of the NGSN highlighted in the report is the speed at which individuals can access help. Half of those seeking assistance were able to receive an initial consultation within a week of contacting the network, underscoring the organization’s commitment to providing timely and effective support to those in need.
Commenting on the recent figures, Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in identifying and supporting individuals at an earlier stage of their gambling addiction. She emphasized the importance of early intervention in improving the chances of successful treatment outcomes and expressed optimism about the upcoming mandatory levy on gambling operators, which is set to take effect in April 2025. This levy will provide additional funds to organizations like GambleAware, enabling them to further expand their services and reach more individuals in need of support.
Overall, GambleAware’s latest report highlights the growing demand for services aimed at tackling gambling addiction and the positive impact that early intervention and structured treatment can have on individuals struggling with this issue. By providing timely and effective support, organizations like GambleAware play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome their gambling problems and regain control of their lives.