New Report Sheds Light on the Impact of Gambling in Great Britain

In a recent comprehensive study by GambleAware, concerning data has emerged about the impact of gambling on children and the enduring effects on former gamblers. The call for regulatory changes echoes louder than ever.

Amid the sparkle and allure of the gambling world, a stark reality lurks. This is a reality that a recent study by GambleAware, carried out by YouGov in November 2023, brings into sharp relief. With an expansive survey encompassing 18,178 adults across Great Britain, the findings reveal a troubling picture: an estimated 1.65 million children are growing up in surroundings marred by problem gambling.

The Ripple Effects of Problem Gambling

The problem doesn’t stop at the immediate family; it cascades to the next generation. The data shows children exposed to gambling in their households are four times more likely to struggle with gambling problems themselves — a staggering 8%, compared to 2% of their unaffected peers. This significant correlation underscores the profound and lasting impact of gambling habits within families.

For the first time, the report sheds light on what it refers to as “legacy harms” — the lingering effects of gambling long after individuals have ceased such activities. Disturbingly, 18% of those who have left the gambling scene confess to experiencing urges to gamble again within the past six months. These figures highlight not only the immediate but also the enduring consequences of gambling on individuals’ financial, physical and mental well-being.

A Call for Action

In light of these findings, GambleAware is advocating for substantial policy changes to curb the normalisation of gambling in everyday life. The organisation’s proposals are clear: enforce a pre-watershed ban on TV advertising, strengthen health warnings on gambling ads and eliminate gambling marketing at sporting events.

According to GambleAware Chief Executive Zoë Osmond, the data reveals the urgent need to address the widespread impact of gambling—affecting not only individuals but families and communities at large. Osmond emphasises the necessity of breaking down stigma, encouraging open discussions about gambling harms, and pushing for a strategic, government-led approach to prevention and treatment.

Parallel to this study, GambleAware commissioned research by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), focusing on the ties between gambling and socially excluded communities in Great Britain. This complementary investigation further underscores the intricate web of factors contributing to gambling harms and the imperative for a comprehensive strategy to combat them.

Confronting the Normalisation of Gambling

As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, with digital platforms making it ever more accessible, the spotlight on its societal impact grows stronger. The findings from GambleAware’s latest survey serve as a clarion call for a collective reassessment of how gambling is integrated into daily life. In addition, GambleAware wants to shield the most vulnerable, particularly children, from its harms. With policy reform and increased awareness, there’s hope yet for tackling the multifaceted issue of gambling addiction and its far-reaching consequences.