Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds
Almost two thirds of people state that gambling marketing is "everywhere" as a charity required a nationwide conversation to assist those suffering damage.
GambleAware advised people to "open" after a study recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still preconception around betting harms, and alerted that anyone might be at threat - including children.
It revealed an installation unveiled at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing betting harm.
A research study for the charity discovered that 31% of individuals remembered seeing their first gaming advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that betting marketing is "all over".
It is essential that those experiencing betting damage know that support is available without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, together with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more national organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to minimize the preconception around gambling damage that is holding individuals back from looking for help.
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 family and buddies, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious damage do not look for support due to feelings of embarassment or humiliation.
The campaign looks for to deal with the preconception associated with damaging betting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a national discussion about gambling damage. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to look for the assistance they need without judgment.
"Our lives are swamped with betting advertising and marketing, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a big unfavorable effect on individuals's lives, even kids. This setup representing the 85,000 kids impacted objectives to shine a light on this pushing problem and motivate meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is requiring more stringent constraints on betting advertising, saying the addicting nature of gaming items and marketing integrated with the universality of gambling marketing indicated anyone might be at danger of damage.
Gambling damage preconception can prevent individuals from opening about gambling and seeking the support they require.
As Maia states, you don't require to handle gambling harms by yourself. It can cause more pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.
Let's open about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability, stated: "While betting can be an enjoyable activity for many, extreme or issue betting can have negative effects.
"It is essential that those experiencing betting damage understand that support is offered without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's continuous Stigma avoidance project.
"We have worked hard to better equip our coworkers to support clients and made a conscious decision to use a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off period to help people make decisions that are ideal for them.
"However, greater cooperation among industry, federal government and charities is necessary to genuinely take on monetary harm triggered by excessive or issue betting."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by children are legal game video games like penny-pusher and makers, bets between friends or household, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding hazardous gaming can prevent those in requirement from looking for crucial support, so we welcome this crucial project from GambleAware.
"We have now presented a statutory levy on gambling revenues which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research study, prevention and treatment, further encouraging the public discussion around betting harm.
"While many people gamble securely, we identify the impact hazardous gaming can have. That is why we are additional enhancing protections for those at threat, executing a stake limitation on online slots and stricter rules on gambling marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance approach to betting by kids.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of wagering by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab machines, bets in between buddies or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members.
"Advertising should abide by stringent guidelines and safer betting messaging, which promotes more secure gaming tools and signposts assist to those concerned about their betting, is regularly and prominently displayed.
"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most acknowledged gambling brand name amongst 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to tackle issue gambling and gambling associated damage, by means of a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities currently taking care of 85 per cent of all problem bettors getting treatment in Britain.
"This cash is assigned independently of market, most of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is prompting anyone who is worried about how betting makes them feel to search its website for guidance, tools and assistance.
Anyone stressed over their gambling or someone else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 free of charge, private advice, tools, and support.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 people who bet between February 13 and 26.