A comprehensive new survey reveals that gambling harm in Great Britain might be eight times higher than previously estimated.
The research, involving nearly 10,000 participants, highlights severe consequences for individuals, including financial ruin and relationship breakdowns.
The findings suggest an urgent need for regulatory reforms to address this growing public health crisis.
Labour is now under pressure to act on their promises to reform gambling laws, following the Conservatives’ unfinished initiatives.
Our Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) Annual Report has launched today.
Thanks to @NatCen and @UofGlasgow for their support.
To read our blog post, visit our website💻 Blog – Gambling Survey for Great Britain – First Annual Report (https://t.co/gZPVhRQs3b) pic.twitter.com/VRTDkl1wFe
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) July 25, 2024
An estimated 2.5% of adults in Great Britain are struggling with problem gambling, equating to about 1.3 million people. Previous surveys estimated this figure at 0.3%, but new data suggests significant underestimation.
Among recent gamblers, over one in 40 reported severe life impacts, such as crime to finance gambling or homelessness.
Men and young people are particularly affected, with over one in 20 gamblers aged 18-34 experiencing severe consequences.
Among men, 1.9% reported relationship breakdowns, 1.9% lost significant financial assets, and 1.6% faced violence or abuse.
Notably, over 10% of survey respondents considered suicide, with 4.9% attributing this to gambling.
Dr. Matt Gaskell from the NHS Northern Gambling Service highlighted the need for fundamental changes to tackle the problem.
Labour has pledged to reform gambling regulations, aiming to reduce harm.
The new government is reviewing the previous administration’s white paper to identify measures for immediate implementation.
Everyone should join forces in rejecting the industry’s responsible gambling model.
You can’t allow the industry to design products and environments for prolonged, continuous, repetitive gambling, and then frame harm as being about the self control of the individual.
— Matt Gaskell (@mgaskell12) July 22, 2024
The survey, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of Glasgow, used online responses to mitigate the stigma associated with gambling.
This method may have led to more accurate disclosures of gambling issues. The survey will be repeated annually to track trends.
Tim Miller of the Gambling Commission emphasized the importance of robust evidence for understanding gambling behavior.
However, the Betting and Gaming Council cautioned that the data might overestimate gambling harm.
Despite these caveats, the figures underscore the need for urgent action to mitigate the widespread impact.
The “problem gambling” rate is 2.5%, five to eight times higher than the 0.5% and 0.3% identified in previous surveys.
11.4 per cent of all participants reported thoughts of suicide or attempts, 4.9 per cent of these said this was related to their gambling.
— Gambling with Lives (@GambleWithLives) July 25, 2024
Charles Ritchie from Gambling with Lives called for immediate legislative changes, including a statutory levy on gambling profits to fund prevention and treatment.
Will Prochaska from the Coalition Against Gambling Ads described the data as a national shame, urging the government to treat gambling as a major public health threat.
Experts from the University of Glasgow, including Professor Heather Wardle, underscored the severe impacts on relationships and personal well-being, highlighting the urgency for Labour to enact reforms promised during the election campaign.
Wardle noted, “We’re at a precipice point in policy, and it’s critical that Labour picks up and extends the changes proposed by the previous administration.”
