In a monumental update marking the one-year anniversary of its commissioned National Gambling Support Network, GambleAware has reported a significant uptick in engagement with those seeking assistance for gambling-related harm. Striving to enhance responsiveness, organizations affiliated with this vital service have impressively contacted individuals reaching out for treatment within an average of just 1.3 days during the closing quarter of 2023. Overall, the network comprises 11 member organizations, working in tandem to counteract the negative impacts of gambling.
The latest statistics present a stimulating revelation – January 2024 saw an unprecedented 4,816 calls and online chats directed to the National Gambling Helpline, the highest since its establishment over 25 years ago. This record has been surpassed six times since the beginning of 2023, illustrating a worrying yet important trend in the necessity of such services.
The helpline, managed by GamCare, has been a beacon of support for those troubled by gambling for well over two decades. In a move affirming its continued commitment, GambleAware sanctioned a further three years’ funding for GamCare, thereby ensuring the helpline’s operations remain unhampered.
Stuart Andrew, the Gambling Minister, reflected on the growth in helpline communications as validation of the service’s essential role. He affirmed that the white paper, introduced the previous year, contains a comprehensive suite of measures aiming at pre-empting such harms. These initiatives encompass stake limits on online slots, rigorous financial risk assessments, and importantly, a proposed levy on gambling businesses to bolster funding for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm.
In a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the helpline’s relevance continues to rise, with 28,175 individuals having received brief interventions – defined as supportive conversations surpassing the 20-minute mark since April 2023.
Anna Hargrave, the chief commissioning officer at GambleAware, speaks fondly of the National Gambling Support Network, crediting it with the prevention of harm escalation linked to gambling activities. Hargrave notes the palpable positive impact that these services have on the lives of those affected, as well as the essential role third-sector providers occupy in the national scheme of preventive measures. With anticipation, she looks towards synergizing these expertise and experiences with the NHS upon the implementation of a new statutory levy.
Endorsement for the proposed levy on operators, outlined in the Gambling Act review white paper, has come from both GambleAware and NHS England. It contemplates a 1% fee on gross gambling yield from online operators, to be administered by the Gambling Commission, and subsequently distributed to the NHS and UK Research and Innovation for pertinent initiatives.
GambleAware’s recent announcement added to its suite of achievements. Their self-assessment tool designed to aid users in gauging their gambling habits, has seen over 100,000 interactions since its initial rollout.
As the narrative surrounding gambling harm continues to unfold, the importance of such therapeutic interventions, their accessibility, and the swift response of organizations within the National Gambling Support Network becomes ever more clear. With the growing numbers reflected in the increased calls and chats, the services provided by GambleAware and its partners are both a mirror to escalating societal challenges and a beacon of hope for effective resolution and support.
