GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline has reported 25 percent rise in calls and online chats during the 2023-24 period, totalling 55,228 contacts. This increase reflects a growing demand for gambling harm prevention and treatment services, according to the charity’s Annual Report. This rise in contacts evidences an imperative need for such accessible support as more families and individuals are dealing with gambling issues.
Of the 55,228 contacts, 74 percent led to supportive interventions, providing a first stage of guidance, advice, and referral into structured treatment programs. During the year, GamCare delivered 9,100 free treatment sessions, achieving an average referral-to-treatment waiting time of just 2.1 days.
The charity’s work has been pivotal in connecting people with vital resources. Data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities revealed that 57 percent of individuals in treatment were referred through GamCare’s services, emphasising the importance of the Helpline in tackling gambling harm.
Apart from Helpline operations, GamCare has been doing prevention work through targeted programs. So, it has trained 10,344 professionals and conducted educational sessions with 53,324 young people, parents, and children to equip communities with the knowledge and tools for identifying and coping with gambling-related risks.
“Throughout a challenging year and with heightened demand for our services, GamCare’s staff have got on with the job of preventing harm where possible and treating harm where necessary,” said, Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare.
The Annual Report highlighted a particularly busy festive season, with December marking the highest demand for the Helpline on record. During this time, Helpline calls were up 39 percent, led by increased gambling activity during Christmas. A December survey conducted by GamCare found that 59 percent of those suffering from gambling problems reported they were more likely to gamble over the holidays, sharply up from 37 percent the previous year.
The festive season has always been a time of financial and emotional stress, and in turn, it tends to increase gambling behaviours. Data from GamCare is a reminder of the need for year-round support for vulnerable individuals.
The sharp surge in Helpline demand coupled with the increasing prevalence of gambling harm places urgency in the current discussions about reforming gambling regulations in the UK. This work of GamCare is in conjunction with these conversations by providing an immediate intervention and promoting a safer environment for gambling.
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