Annual statistics released by the U.K. charity Gamble Aware show a 12% increase in the number of people treated within services provided by the country's National Gambling Support Network (NGSN).
The new report reveals that over the last year, a total of 10,754 clients were reported as being treated by NGSN providers. This number includes people who were supported in their own battles against problem gambling, and those impacted by gambling addiction amongst close friends and family.
Of the 7,463 treated within the NGSN Services, 6,225 had been fighting gambling addiction themselves. Another 1,214 had either been impacted by another person’s gambling or were deemed to be at risk of developing problematic gambling behavior.
Gamble Aware’s annual statistics also showed an increase in clients seeking help for other people’s gambling. The latest report shows the continuation of this upward trend, with 15% of those supported seeking such help. The average for the past five years is 13%.
Tiered support figures highlight importance of early intervention services
Looking more closely at the treatment received by those who accessed NGSN services, we can see which levels of support were in most demand.
This is the first year that Gamble Aware has reported on the uptake of the network’s Tier 2 treatment services, otherwise known as early intervention. The report shows that 3,291 received Tier 2 treatment only this year.
A total of 6,931 received Tier 3 treatment, which includes options such as one-to-one and group support, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Tier 4 treatment, which is delivered at residential treatment centers, was required by 532 clients.
Of those who had been in receipt of either Tier 3 or Tier 4 treatment, 3,048 had also accessed Tier 2 treatment previously.
“In 2023, we launched new commissioning arrangements that expanded the NGSN’s scope to include prevention and early intervention, in addition to treatment. This means that our services are now working much more closely with local communities, reducing stigma and removing the barriers to accessing treatment," said Anna Hargrave, Gamble Aware chief commissioning and strategy officer.
“Not only have we reached more people, we have been able to identify and support people at a much earlier stage and that is part of the reason why we have seen an increase in people receiving treatment and support.”
Data reveals demographics accessing network’s services
The vast majority of the support network’s clients (70%) identified as male. The proportion identifying as female was 21%, which is similar to the past five-year average of 20%.
Looking more closely at the data on those who accessed the support network over the past year, three quarters (75%) were aged 45 or younger. The greatest number of clients was reported in the 30-34 and 35-39 age brackets. These groups accounted for 38% of the network’s clients.
The ethnicities of the network’s clients were also reported. Of those accessing its services, 90% were from a white ethnic background. Of that 90%, 82% were white British and 5% were white European. Other common ethnic backgrounds included Asian or Asian British (5%) Black or Black British (3%) and mixed (2%).
Almost three quarters (70%) of clients accessing the NGSN over the past year were employed. Out of those who did not classify themselves as employed, 13% were living with long-term disabilities or illness.
Just 2% of the network’s clients were retired. Similarly, 2% were students and another 2% were not working due to family responsibilities.
Gambling Severity score improvements for majority who completed treatment
The network’s annual statistics give a glimpse into how well clients engaged with its services and what their outcomes were.
Looking at how referrals were made, over half (54%) were made via the National Gambling Helpline. Another 23% were self-made, while 11% came through the NGSN.
Exactly half of the clients had their first appointment within six days of making contact. Appointments were made for 75% of people within 12 days.
The number of people requiring Tier 3 or Tier 4 treatment remained high, at 95%. When it comes to the outcomes for the treatment received, 61% completed their treatment programs. One-third (28%) dropped out of treatment before a scheduled endpoint. This figure is consistent with data reported in previous years.
Those who exited treatment early still saw improvements in Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores, however. These rose by an average (median) of 10 points.
The median improvement for those who completed their treatment was 14 points. Improvements in PGSI scores were seen in 95% in those who completed treatment, and 62% of those who dropped out early.
Gamble Aware and the National Gambling Support Network
Gamble Aware is the U.K.’s leading charity and commissioner of gambling harms education, prevention and treatment. The independent charity works closely with the U.K. government, gambling treatment providers, the National Health Service (NHS), and those with lived experience, to provide the advice, tools and research needed to protect people from gambling-related harm.
The UK’s NGSN is commissioned by Gamble Aware, and provides free and confidential treatment for gambling addiction, along with support services for a range of gambling-related harms. The network works in partnership with health services like the NHS and other third-party organizations.
