Shocking new study highlights the reality of problem gambling in the UK

Research conducted by the GambleAware using data on the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) found that only 3% of problem gamblers in the UK receive adequate treatment, as well as highlighting the devastating consequences. 

For the first time, GambleAware published a report detailing the statistics for the National Gambling Treatment Service, a collaboration between organisations who provide support and treatment for problem gamblers, on the 29th October 2020.  

GambleAware discovered that 90% of the 9,008 clients who completed treatment from April 2019 to March 2020 showed signs of improvement on the PGSI scale; the most widely used measure of problem gambling in the UK.  

The report also found that only 60% of clients no longer classified as ‘problem gamblers’ after treatment, which typically lasts eight weeks.  

Out of those treated, 45% reached debt levels of more than ￡5000, were bankrupt, or experiencing a debt repayment scheme.  

Over 25% of clients had lost their relationships due to their gambling addiction, and 12% were made redundant.  

Such figures highlight that the issue may be beyond surface level, particularly when noting that BonusFinder.com found that 94% of UK players are aware of responsible gaming tools.

Speaking on the issue, Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, insisted on greater involvement for the NHS and set a target of at least 10% of problem gamblers seeking treatment services:  

Something is stopping these people from asking for help… Let’s do all we can to make [gambling addicts] feel they can trust the system and come forward. 

The statement goes hand in hand with the UK’s betting and gaming council bid to spend ￡100m to tackle problem gambling. 

About SiGMA’s revamped website:

SiGMA Group is excited to announce the launch of its newly revamped website. The website is currently available in 5 languages, English, Russian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish with plans to add another 5 languages over the coming months – namely French, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Hindi.