GambleAware: Problem gambling most prevalent in North West of England
Charity research also finds people in the region are more likely to be affected by other people’s gambling
GambleAware research has revealed people in the North West of England are more likely to be affected by someone else’s gambling.
The report, using data collected in November 2022, looked at gambling harms at both local authority and parliamentary constituency level across Great Britain.
The charity found that in the North West of England, there are a higher proportion of people (8%) affected by another person’s gambling than the British average, 7%. It was the worst ranked region out of 11.
GambleAware added that in the same region, there was less demand for support, advice or treatment from those experiencing problem gambling.
According to the report, 61% (3.6 million) of adults in the North West engaged in a form of gambling in 2022 – the national average is 60%.
However, only 57% of those with a PGSI score of 8 or higher, the marker for problem gambling, said they wanted support, advice or treatment services – this is in contrast to 65% in Great Britain.
Using the local authority map data as an example, Preston has the highest levels of PGSI 8+ when it comes to their estimates and a high reported usage of treatment and support.
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, said: “Gambling harms are a serious public health issue and can affect anyone, including many thousands of people across the North West – as well as those closest to them.
“As the leading gambling harms charity in Great Britain, we have published these maps to provide local areas with the evidence they need to address treatment and support needs in their communities.
“Broadening our reach, working with people at a local level and engaging with local authorities means we can further help those experiencing harm from gambling,” she concluded.
GambleAware created a network of treatment and support providers across Great Britain, with the National Gambling Support Network making sure players received support as and when they need it.
Neil Platt, clinical director at Beacon Counselling Trust, said: “As a North West provider within the National Gambling Support Network we see firsthand the affects gambling can have on individuals and those around them across the region, and this insightful data helps confirm what we see every day.
“The design of the new National Gambling Support Network means those who are experiencing gambling harm can access specialist, tailored treatment or support, dependent on their needs, quickly and efficiently, wherever they are across Great Britain,” he added.