Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds

Almost two thirds of individuals say that betting marketing is "all over" as a charity called for a nationwide discussion to help those suffering damage.


GambleAware urged people to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still preconception around gambling harms, and cautioned that anybody might be at risk - including children.


It revealed a setup unveiled at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing betting damage.


A research study for the charity discovered that 31% of people recalled seeing their first betting advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that betting marketing is "all over".


It is essential that those experiencing betting damage understand that assistance is readily available without judgment


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide


The charity, along with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is requiring a national conversation to reduce the preconception around gambling damage that is holding individuals back from seeking help.


Research from the charity has discovered that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with gambling conceal their activities from their friends and family, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious harm do not seek support due to sensations of pity or humiliation.


The project seeks to take on the stigma related to hazardous gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a nationwide discussion about betting harm. Only by encouraging an open dialogue can we empower individuals to look for the assistance they require without judgment.


"Our every day lives are swamped with gambling marketing and advertising, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a big unfavorable impact on people's lives, even kids. This installation representing the 85,000 kids impacted aims to shine a light on this pressing problem and encourage significant discussion."


GambleAware is calling for stricter restrictions on gambling advertising, stating the addicting nature of betting products and marketing combined with the universality of gambling marketing meant anybody might be at danger of damage.


Gambling damage stigma can prevent people from opening up about gaming and seeking the support they need.


As Maia states, you do not require to manage betting damages by yourself. It can trigger further pressure on yourself and your loved ones.


Let's open up about gambling. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability, said: "While gambling can be a pleasurable activity for numerous, extreme or problem gambling can have negative impacts.


"It is very important that those experiencing gambling damage understand that support is readily available without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's continuous Stigma prevention project.


"We have actually striven to better equip our associates to support clients and made a conscious choice to provide a gaming block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist individuals make choices that are ideal for them.


"However, higher cooperation among industry, federal government and charities is vital to really take on monetary damage triggered by extreme or problem gambling."


According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of betting by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between pals or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding damaging gambling can avoid those in need from looking for crucial assistance, so we invite this crucial project from GambleAware.


"We have now introduced a statutory levy on gambling profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research, avoidance and treatment, more motivating the public discussion around betting harm.


"While the majority of people gamble safely, we identify the effect harmful gaming can have. That is why we are additional enhancing defenses for those at threat, carrying out a stake limitation on online slots and more stringent rules on gambling marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman said: "BGC members take an absolutely no tolerance method to betting by children.


"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of betting by children are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets between friends or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.


"Advertising should abide by strict standards and more secure gambling messaging, which promotes much safer betting tools and signposts assist to those concerned about their betting, is frequently and plainly showed.


"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most acknowledged gambling brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."


"BGC members and certified operators have actually voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to deal with issue gambling and betting related harm, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities presently looking after 85 percent of all issue bettors receiving treatment in Britain.


"This cash is allocated individually of industry, most of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is prompting anyone who is concerned about how gambling makes them feel to browse its website for guidance, tools and assistance.


Anyone stressed over their betting or another can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, confidential advice, tools, and support.


YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 individuals who bet in between February 13 and 26.