GambleAware suggests 1.6 million children impacted by adults experiencing problem gambling

A recent GambleAware-commissioned study has claimed that 1.6 million UK children come from households where an adult is experiencing ‘problem gambling’.

The study outlines how children who are exposed to gambling are four times more likely to go on to experience gambling harm themselves, compared to a child who has not been impacted by someone else’s gambling.

GambleAware’s annual treatment and support survey is based on an annual YouGov poll of more than 18,000 people as well as 30 one-to-one interviews with current and former gamblers and online focus groups.

The study analysed both the demand and use of support and treatment tools among those who gamble and those close to someone else’s gambling.

While this report is conducted annually, dating back to October 2020, the latest edition marks the first time it included questions on former gambling behaviours in an attempt to understand the experiences of those who used to gamble, as well as legacy harms.

As many as 130,000 people who consider themselves ex-gamblers claim that they are still impacted by harms from previous gambling experiences.

Nearly one in five people who used to gamble, an estimated 1.2 million people, have reported that they have felt the urge to gamble again within the past six months.

The report added that qualitative research indicated people were able to find loopholes in self-exclusion systems with ease, while the cost-of-living crisis would have also impacted gambling behaviours.

Of those experiencing problem gambling, (who rank eight or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index), two in five were deemed to be at high risk of suicidal behaviour on the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale, a rate five times higher than the rest of the general population.

GambleAware’s data revealed that the demand for treatment services is also on the rise, notably among those impacted by gambling harm experienced by someone in their lives – a group that has seen a six-percentage point increase in service usage between 2022 and 2023.

GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond addressed the damage early exposure to gambling harm can do, explaining: “The figures published today in our Treatment and Support Survey highlight the impact of the normalisation of gambling across society on individuals, families and communities. 

“The research shows a concerning link between early exposure to gambling at a younger age and the risk of harms in later life and for the first time shows the lasting impact legacy harms can have.

“Gambling harms can affect anyone, which is why it is so important that we break down the stigma associated with it and encourage people to come forward and talk about gambling harm.”

According to the study, a household is regarded as one person living alone, a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address that share facilities.

Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, acknowledged the “increasing recognition” of how harmful gambling can be for children.

“I want to see far more attention given to the impact of gambling on children and young people,” she explained. “I’m particularly concerned about new, easily accessible forms of gambling online that obscure the risks and the harms and are increasingly pervasive in children’s lives.

“If we allow gambling to be normalised for young people through continued exposure to advertising and gambling activities in online games, we risk a long-term impact on their lives – on their mental or physical health, relationships or financial wellbeing.”

A YouGov spokesperson added: “We are pleased to share the findings from the fifth annual Treatment and Support Survey. 

“This year, the research – which included a substantial online survey of more than 18,000 people and in-depth qualitative telephone interviews – explored areas including the legacy harms of gambling, uncovering new data on the lasting impact of gambling harms on those who gamble.”