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

Almost 2 thirds of individuals state that betting advertising is "all over" as a charity required a national discussion to help those suffering harm.


GambleAware advised people to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the public think there is still stigma around betting damages, and alerted that anyone might be at danger - including children.


It unveiled a setup unveiled at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing betting harm.


A study for the charity discovered that 31% of individuals remembered seeing their very first gaming advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that gambling marketing is "everywhere".


It is very important that those experiencing gaming harm understand that support is available without judgment


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide


The charity, together with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more national organisations, is calling for a national discussion to minimize the stigma around gambling damage that is holding people back from seeking assistance.


Research from the charity has actually found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with betting conceal their activities from their household and friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most major damage do not seek assistance due to sensations of pity or shame.


The to deal with the preconception connected with harmful gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a national conversation about betting harm. Only by encouraging an open dialogue can we empower individuals to look for the assistance they require without judgment.


"Our daily lives are inundated with gambling marketing and advertising, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a substantial negative result on individuals's lives, even kids. This setup representing the 85,000 kids affected objectives to shine a light on this pressing problem and motivate meaningful dialogue."


GambleAware is requiring stricter limitations on gambling marketing, saying the addicting nature of gambling items and advertising integrated with the ubiquity of gambling marketing meant anybody might be at danger of damage.


Gambling harm preconception can prevent people from opening up about gambling and seeking the assistance they require.


As Maia states, you do not need to manage betting damages by yourself. It can cause more pressure on yourself and your liked ones.


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


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of consumer vulnerability, said: "While gaming can be a satisfying activity for numerous, extreme or issue gambling can have negative impacts.


"It's important that those experiencing betting harm know that support is readily available without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance campaign.


"We have worked hard to much better equip our coworkers to support clients and made a conscious choice to provide a gaming block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist individuals make choices that are right for them.


"However, higher partnership among industry, federal government and charities is necessary to truly deal with financial damage brought on by excessive or problem gaming."


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


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding harmful gambling can avoid those in requirement from looking for essential support, so we welcome this essential project from GambleAware.


"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on gambling profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research study, prevention and treatment, more motivating the general public discussion around gambling damage.


"While the majority of people gamble securely, we acknowledge the effect damaging gaming can have. That is why we are additional reinforcing defenses for those at risk, implementing a stake limitation on online slots and more stringent rules on gambling marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson stated: "BGC members take a zero tolerance approach to betting by kids.


"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular types of betting by children are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between buddies or household, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members.


"Advertising must comply with stringent standards and more secure gambling messaging, which promotes more secure betting tools and signposts assist to those worried about their betting, is routinely and plainly displayed.


"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most acknowledged gambling brand name among 11 to 16-year-olds."


"BGC members and certified operators have actually voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to take on issue betting and gambling associated damage, via a voluntary levy system, consisting of ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities presently taking care of 85 percent of all issue gamblers getting treatment in Britain.


"This cash is allocated individually of industry, the bulk of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is prompting anybody who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to browse its website for recommendations, tools and support.


Anyone stressed over their gaming or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, private advice, tools, and assistance.


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