The industry-supported funding body GambleAware expresses concern over the number of children living in households with adults who have gambling problems. The agency reports that data from its annual UK Treatment and Support Survey shows that up to 1.65 million children are growing up in such environments.
This year's survey, conducted by YouGov, for the first time provided data on the residual harms caused by gambling to those affected by gambling problems. The survey revealed that 7% of the adult population are "affected individuals"—those negatively impacted by someone else's gambling. This equates to 3.6 million adults. Women are more likely to be affected than men (8% compared to 6%).
To further understand the impact of gambling on families, this year's survey included new questions about the age at which people first experienced negative effects from gambling. The findings show that one-fifth (19%) of those affected said their first negative impact from gambling behavior occurred under the age of 18.
The survey estimates that 58% of people with gambling problems have children at home, affecting approximately 4.74 million children.
The quantitative survey of 18,178 people found that about 2,135 respondents had a PGSI score of 1+, indicating they have some level of problem with gambling. Researchers conducted follow-up interviews with 30 respondents. On a monthly basis, the study estimates that 47% of people (about 24.2 million adults) engage in gambling.
GambleAware states: "To address the gambling harms faced by anyone affected across the UK, GambleAware once again calls for a robust national prevention strategy, including stronger regulation of gambling advertising, such as mandatory health warnings, and adopting a public health approach that combines prevention, early intervention, effective treatment, and aftercare."
CEO Zoë Osmond said: "The data we released today in our Treatment and Support Survey highlights the impact of the normalization of gambling on individuals, families, and communities. The research shows a concerning link between exposure to gambling at a young age and the risk of harm later in life, and for the first time suggests that residual harm can have lasting effects. Gambling harm can affect anyone, which is why we must break the stigma associated with it and encourage people to speak out about gambling harm.
"This is why we are calling for a more strategic government-led approach, increasing investment in prevention and treatment programs to address gambling harms in the UK, and strengthening the regulation of gambling advertising."
Earlier this month, GambleAware released a study on gambling behaviors in marginalized community populations. Conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, the report suggests that these groups may use gambling as a coping mechanism.
The study compiled data from 138 previous studies involving homeless or at-risk of homelessness individuals, the elderly, disabled, neurodiverse or mental health issues, criminal communities, and vulnerable immigrants seeking asylum. In all cases, the studies indicate that these groups are more likely to use gambling to cope with social exclusion or discrimination.
