GambleAware continues to sound the alarm over problem gambling stats in the UK. The independent charity, which commissions research, prevention, and treatment services relating to problem gambling, made the statement after releasing the latest statistics for the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS).
More than 7,000 Contacted the NGTS in 2021/22
GambleAware said that the NGTS catered to more than 7,000 people from April 2021 to March 2022, and 92% of them have since shown some progress concerning their harmful gambling behavior. The latest figures show that 63% of those who ended treatment in 2021/22 managed to complete their scheduled treatment programs, and the majority of them (86%) stated that their psychological well-being surrounding their gambling behavior had improved.
But GambleAware noted that 37% of those who sought help from the NGTS had not completed their treatment programs. The charity also observed an increasing number of women contacting the service, with most service users belonging to the younger age groups who are usually engaged in online gambling.
Gambling Harm A Public Health Concern
Despite the “encouraging” statistics that showcase the NGTS as a highly effective problem gambling treatment option, the latest data also show that gambling harm has evolved into a public health concern, according to GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond. Hence, there is a need to raise more awareness on the issue and encourage people to immediately seek treatment and support if they feel they are affected by gambling harm, Osmond said.
