GamCare Helpline Sees 25% Spike in Demand Amid Gambling Harm Concerns
GamCare, a leading UK-based charity, has reported a 25% rise in contacts to its National Gambling Helpline during the 2023-24 period, with 55,228 calls and online chats recorded. The surge reflects growing awareness and demand for support in tackling gambling-related harm, as highlighted in the organisation’s Annual Report.
Main Findings
- Support and Treatment: Of the 55,228 contacts, 74% resulted in supportive interventions, including guidance, advice, and referrals. This led to over 9,100 free treatment sessions, with an average referral-to-treatment waiting time of just 2.1 days.
- Referral Impact: GamCare facilitated 57% of treatment referrals, as noted by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, underscoring the helpline’s pivotal role in connecting individuals to care.
- Educational Programs: Prevention efforts included training 10,344 professionals and educating 53,324 young people, parents, and children on recognising and addressing gambling harm. A notable focus on women’s gambling-related harm led to partnerships with organisations like Refuge, which trained 3,813 professionals.
Broader Context
The rising demand for GamCare’s services aligns with heightened public discourse on gambling reform, spurred by the government’s recent white paper on regulation. December marked a particularly challenging period, with a 39% rise in helpline contacts during the festive season—GamCare’s busiest Christmas on record.
Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare, commended the organisation’s efforts, stating:
“Throughout a challenging year and with heightened demand for our services, GamCare’s staff have got on with the job of preventing harm where possible and treating harm where necessary.”
The increase in helpline usage underscores the importance of GamCare’s dual approach of prevention and treatment. As gambling regulation reforms take shape, the organisation’s expanding programs and partnerships will remain critical in addressing gambling harm.
