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

Content Team October 30, 2020

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.

Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, 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.