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.
