GambleAware Raises Concerns Over Levels of Treatment Sought

by Jamie Smith, 17 September 2025

A new report from GambleAware shows the number of people in the UK seeking support for gambling-related harm has risen sharply over the past few years.

Gambling-related harm appears to be on the rise in the UK. MountainDweller, Pixabay

Key Facts:

• GambleAware’s latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey has been published by the organisation
• Report is based on a survey that was conducted by YouGov
• GambleAware is set to be wound down in the first half of 2026
• It was funded by voluntary contributions from gambling firms

GambleAware has published its latest Annual Treatment and Support Survey, which is based on research that top polling organisation YouGov conducted.

The study found that there has been a significant increase in the number of people in the UK who are seeking help for gambling-related harm.

New research shows that close to one out of every three (30%) adults who gamble and are experiencing any risk of gambling problems now want to access treatment, support or advice.

This is up from 17% in 2020, while the number of people who say that they are being affected by the gambling of a friend or a family member has risen from 6% in 2020 to 8% in 2024.

Prize Draw Warning

GambleAware’s report also offers new evidence on gambling harms that are associated with prize draws, such as the Monopoly collection game at fast food giant McDonald’s, or the Omaze draw where one player wins a luxury house.

The new research estimates more than a quarter (27%) of people who gamble to be experiencing any risk of gambling problems from prize draws. Perhaps more worryingly, nearly one in nine people (11%) are estimated to be experiencing ‘problem gambling’ due to prize draws and similar gambling games.

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware’s chief executive, noted gambling “can be highly addictive” and she pointed out gambling to excess can have “devastating impacts on people’s lives, relationships and financial stability”.

Osmond added: “While it is encouraging that more people have sought help, this rise may also point to a growing public health crisis. We are increasingly alarmed by how gambling is being normalised and how frequently people—especially young people—are exposed to gambling across Great Britain.”

GambleAware is calling for “urgent preventative action” including the introduction of tougher regulation of gambling advertising by the Labour government. The body says there is a need to stop gambling from being portrayed in advertising and marketing messages as “harmless fun”.

Osmond added: “There should also be mandatory health warnings on all gambling ads, stricter controls on digital and social media marketing , and a full ban on gambling promotion in stadiums and sports venues to protect children and young people from harm.”

GambleAware in Its Last Year

The report from GambleAware showing a rise in demand for support around addiction comes only a short time after the date of the organisation’s closure was confirmed.

GambleAware is set to be wound down in early 2026, having previously been funded by voluntary contributions from gambling firms.

The Labour government has introduced a new statutory levy for companies in the sector and this will instead be used to fund support programmes and organisations.

The new levy comes as part of Labour’s ongoing reform of the industry, which has included moves such as introducing slot stake limits at online casino sites.