Campaigners to reduce gambling harm believe current efforts are falling short. Simply encouraging people to seek support is no longer enough. ‘A new model’ based on more active engagement is needed.
That’s the message of Beyond The Bet, a new podcast* from Citizens Advice Gambling Support Service.
It’s estimated 1.4 million UK people have a gambling problem. Up to 3 million could be affected. Astonishingly however just 40,000 have contacted the National Gambling Helpline and fewer than 15,000 are actually in treatment.
CARBS is proud to be part the Surrey GSS group aiming to improve things.
The impact of Covid-19 has been mixed, Gambling Commission figures show. Overall numbers stayed flat in 2020, but the Podcasters point to an increase in people locked down opening online accounts. It’s unfortunately easy to see why gambling harm is often called ‘the hidden addiction’; and as unfortunately why many people compare it to drugs and alcohol.
We are now doing all we can with clients and stakeholders to promote the National Gambling Treatment Service and BeGambleAware.
If anyone is looking for help, advice or support, please go to BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
* Beyond The Bet Podcast, Citizens Advice Gambling Support Service, 16/10/20
Background Gambling Commission launches new National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, Gambling Commission, 25/04/19