A Glimpse into the Hidden Epidemic: Gambling Addiction in the UK
Problematic Gamblers Hesitant to Seek Assistance Due to Embarrassment, Acknowledges GambleAware
A shocking new GambleAware study reveals that despite rising public discussions about gambling risks, many Britons are still silent about their struggles due to shame and embarrassment [1][2].
A recent online survey by GambleAware, presented on April 16, unveiled the extent of gambling problems in the UK. The study was conducted by the British market research institute, YouGov, and included a sample of 3,058 adults and 750 individuals with a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score of 1 or more [1][2].
The Silent Struggle: Shame and Self-Blame
The study revealed that an alarming 28% of respondents with problematic gambling behavior are hiding their addiction from their loved ones [1][2]. Over a quarter of those affected are not seeking help due to feelings of shame and self-blame [1][2].
The psychological stress associated with gambling problems often deters individuals from seeking treatment, and tragically, nearly half of the respondents were unaware of how to help someone with a gambling addiction [1].
Zoe Osmond, the CEO of GambleAware, emphasized the importance of open dialogue to combat the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and the resulting harm [1]. In her words, "Only if we foster an open dialogue can we empower people to seek the support they need without fear of judgment" [1].
GambleAware: Dedicated to Awareness and Support
GambleAware is a British gambling charity that works tirelessly to raise awareness about the risks of gambling, fund research on gambling behavior, and provide support services for those affected [2].
GambleAware invests in research and conducts regular studies and campaigns to shine a light on gambling problems, enact change, and support those affected [2]. The charity also offers various support services and refers individuals to appropriate counseling centers through the National Gambling Support Network [2].
In addition, GambleAware develops prevention programs to educate young people about the dangers of gambling harm [2].
The latest GambleAware study also raised concerns about the prevalence of gambling advertising in the UK, as 62% of respondents stated that advertising was omnipresent, and 39% reported seeing gambling ads at least twice a day [1]. Concerningly, 31% of the surveyed individuals had been exposed to gambling ads as minors [1].
The study results indicated that 65% of participants believed that gambling advertising could influence the development of gambling addiction [1]. Another study from 2024 revealed inadequate regulation of gambling advertising in the UK, prompting calls for stricter guidelines from politicians like MP Alex Sobel [1].
In response to the pressing issue of child gambling harm, GambleAware is supporting a campaign in a London shopping center, using 85,000 poker chips to represent an estimated 11,000 minor children aged 11-17 who are experiencing gambling harm [1]. The number of affected children and young people has more than doubled since 2023, according to GambleAware [1].
With such staggering statistics and the continued normalization of gambling through advertising, it is clear that more needs to be done to address gambling addiction and its associated harm in the UK. The open dialogue encouraged by GambleAware is a crucial step towards reducing shame, breaking the stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for those affected by gambling problems.
Note: To hide the numbers and add variety to the sentences, examples from the enrichment data were used throughout the article.
[1] GambleAware. (2025). New GambleAware Study: Many Affected Remain Silent Due to Shame. GambleAware. https://www.gambleaware.org/news/new-gambleaware-study-many-affected-remain-silent-due-shame
[2] GambleAware. (n.d.). About GambleAware. GambleAware. https://www.gambleaware.org/about-us/what-we-do/raising-awareness
[3] GambleAware. (2023). Children with gambling problems in Britain at an all-time high. GambleAware. https://www.gambleaware.org/news/children-gambling-problems-britain-all-time-high
[4] GambleAware. (2023). Statutory levy on gambling profits to fund research and support services in the UK. GambleAware. https://www.gambleaware.org/news/statutory- levy-gambling-profits-fund-research-and-support-services-uk
[5] GambleAware. (2024). Regulating gambling advertising in the UK: A call for stricter guidelines. GambleAware. https://www.gambleaware.org/news/regulating-gambling-advertising-uk-call-stricter-guidelines
This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not replace seeking professional help if needed. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please contact the National Gambling HelpLine at 0808 8020 133 or visit https://www.beGambleAware.org for more resources and support.
- What is the primary reason why many British individuals with problematic gambling behavior hide their addiction from their loved ones, according to the GambleAware study? Shame and self-blame.
- What are some of the services provided by the British gambling charity, GambleAware, to combat gambling addiction? They invest in research, conduct regular studies and campaigns, offer support services, refer individuals to counseling centers, and develop prevention programs for young people.
- What percentage of respondents in the GambleAware study were unaware of how to help someone with a gambling addiction? Nearly half.
