Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds

Almost 2 thirds of individuals state that gambling marketing is "everywhere" as a charity called for a nationwide discussion to assist those suffering damage.


GambleAware prompted individuals to "open" after a survey suggested 67% of the general public think there is still stigma around gambling harms, and warned that anybody might be at danger - consisting of kids.


It unveiled a setup revealed at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing gambling harm.


A research study for the charity discovered that 31% of people recalled seeing their very first gambling advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that gambling advertising is "everywhere".


It is very important that those experiencing gaming damage know that support is readily available without judgment


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide


The charity, alongside partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to minimize the stigma around gambling harm that is holding individuals back from looking for assistance.


Research from the charity has found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with gambling conceal their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most severe damage do not seek support due to sensations of embarassment or embarrassment.


The project looks for to take on the preconception related to hazardous gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


Zoe Osmond, primary executive of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a national conversation about betting harm. Only by motivating an open dialogue can we empower individuals to look for the support they need without judgment.


"Our lives are swamped with gambling marketing and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a substantial unfavorable effect on individuals's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 kids impacted goals to shine a light on this pressing concern and dialogue."


GambleAware is requiring stricter constraints on betting advertising, saying the addicting nature of gambling products and marketing combined with the universality of gambling marketing suggested anybody might be at threat of harm.


Gambling damage preconception can avoid individuals from opening up about gaming and seeking the support they require.


As Maia says, you don't require to handle gambling harms by yourself. It can trigger additional pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.


Let's open up about gaming. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of consumer vulnerability, stated: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for lots of, extreme or problem gambling can have unfavorable effects.


"It is very important that those experiencing gambling harm know that assistance is available without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance campaign.


"We have striven to much better equip our colleagues to support clients and made a mindful decision to use a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to assist people make decisions that are right for them.


"However, greater partnership among industry, government and charities is important to really tackle monetary damage brought on by excessive or issue gambling."


According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets in between friends or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for betting Baroness Twycross stated: "The stigma surrounding hazardous gambling can prevent those in need from seeking important assistance, so we invite this essential project from GambleAware.


"We have actually now introduced a statutory levy on betting earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research study, avoidance and treatment, additional motivating the general public conversation around gambling damage.


"While many people bet securely, we acknowledge the effect harmful betting can have. That is why we are further reinforcing defenses for those at risk, executing a stake limitation on online slots and more stringent rules on gaming marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman said: "BGC members take an absolutely no tolerance approach to wagering by children.


"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of betting by children are legal arcade games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets in between pals or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.


"Advertising must abide by strict guidelines and much safer gaming messaging, which promotes safer gaming tools and signposts help to those concerned about their wagering, is regularly and prominently displayed.


"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most acknowledged gambling brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."


"BGC members and certified operators have actually voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to tackle problem gaming and gambling associated damage, through a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities presently looking after 85 per cent of all problem gamblers getting treatment in Britain.


"This money is assigned separately of industry, the bulk of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is prompting anybody who is worried about how gambling makes them feel to browse its site for advice, tools and support.


Anyone fretted about their betting or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 free of charge, private suggestions, tools, and assistance.


YouGov surveyed 3,058 adults and 750 people who gamble between February 13 and 26.