EXCL: "Hundreds of thousands of people suffering gambling harm"
People in the East Midlands accessing treatment through the National Gambling Helpline jumped by 30% last year
"Hundreds of thousands" of adults and children are suffering from gambling-related harm, which needs to be made an 'election issue', according to Lord Don Foster.
This week, we revealed people in the East Midlands getting treatment through the National Gambling Helpline jumped by 30% last year.
Figures uncovered by us also showed more than 200 referrals have been made at a new East Midlands Gambling Harms Service since it opened last year.
Speaking to us as part of our investigation into problem gambling in the region, Lord Don Foster, who is Chairman of Peers for Gambling Reform, said: 'Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering from gambling harm.'
'That's including a surprising number of children, and sadly far too many gambling-related suicides.'
'Urgent action is clearly needed.'
A gambling white paper was published in April last year, setting out the Government's plan to reform gambling regulation following the review of the Gambling Act 2005.
Lord Foster, who also sits on a cross-party group calling for gambling reform, added: 'There are some areas, such as gambling, advertising, marketing and sponsorship, where the Government hasn't gone far enough.'
'As we come towards the next general election, with a possible change in Government, then it's vitally important that - whichever party takes charge - the reforms that've been promised are taken forward, and taken forward urgently.'
Why are record numbers asking for help with gambling problems?
Earlier this year, National Gambling Helpline GamCare revealed it received over 52,000 calls and messages in 2023 - the most ever on record.
Senior psychotherapist Dorian Carr, from the East Midlands Gambling Harms Service, said there's a number of reasons why more people are seeking support:
'Gambling helps people emotionally regulate, which is why they fall into the trap of that vicious gambling cycle in the first place.'
'We certainly know there is a higher risk of suicide among the problem gambling population. It can affect people's physical health, certainly their mental health.'
He added: 'There's more access to gambling facilities - online access, 7 days a week; 24 hours a day.'
'Stress increases as emotional pain increases. The cost of living crisis, the access to facilities of gambling sites, I think all-in-all has increased people's behaviour.'
A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said:
"We are determined to protect those most at risk of gambling harm and are implementing the measures included in our gambling white paper at pace.
"There are already robust rules in place to ensure gambling advertising is socially responsible, and our targeted approach to tackle the most harmful practices is just one part of our wider approach to protecting the public.
“We have recently introduced new stake limits for online slot games, which are associated with a higher problem gambling rate than other gambling methods. This is alongside new financial risk checks and a mandatory levy on gambling companies to increase funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms."
A spokesperson for The Betting and Gaming Council, said: “BGC members each year contribute tens of millions of pounds towards Research, Prevention and Treatment (RPT) to help prevent gambling related harm and tackle problem gambling, which is currently paid through a unique voluntary levy scheme. This funds an independent network of charities which treats around 85 per cent of all problem gamblers receiving treatment in Britain.
“Our four largest members alone pledged £110 million to be administered by GambleAware between 2019 and 2024 to fund this charity network and its work. All RPT donations only go to charities accredited by the Gambling Commission, including GamCare, Gordon Moody and YGAM, to deliver these services and BGC members have no say on how this funding is spent.
“Advertising must comply with strict guidelines and safer gambling messaging, which promotes safer gambling tools like time outs, deposit limits and self-exclusion while signposting help to those concerned about their betting, is regularly and prominently displayed. The Government has previously stated research did not establish a causal link between exposure to advertising and the development of problem gambling.
“The BGC also welcomed the Government’s recent decision on new stake limits for online slots games, which provide enhanced protections for young people.
“Each month in Great Britain around 22.5m adults have a bet and the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4 per cent of the adult population are problem gamblers.”
If you, or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling or gambling addiction, you can find help via the NHS website**, the** GamCare support helpline or the East Midlands Gambling Harms Service webpage.