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

Almost two thirds of individuals state that gambling marketing is "all over" as a charity required a national discussion to help those suffering harm.


GambleAware urged individuals to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still preconception around betting damages, and cautioned that anybody could be at danger - consisting of kids.


It unveiled an installation unveiled at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain presently experiencing betting harm.


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


It is necessary that those experiencing gambling damage understand that support is offered 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 calling for a national discussion to decrease the stigma around gambling damage that is holding people back from seeking aid.


Research from the charity has discovered that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with gambling conceal their activities from their household and friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most major harm do not look for assistance due to sensations of pity or shame.


The campaign seeks to take on the preconception related to damaging betting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, said: "Now is the time to have a nationwide discussion about gambling damage. Only by encouraging an open dialogue can we empower individuals to seek the assistance they need without judgment.


"Our everyday lives are flooded with betting marketing and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a big unfavorable impact on individuals's lives, even kids. This installation representing the 85,000 children impacted goals to shine a light on this pressing problem and motivate meaningful dialogue."


GambleAware is calling for stricter limitations on gambling advertising, stating the addicting nature of gambling items and advertising combined with the universality of betting advertising meant anybody might be at risk of harm.


Gambling damage preconception can prevent individuals from opening about gaming and looking for the support they require.


As Maia says, you do not need to handle gambling harms on your own. It can cause more 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 consumer vulnerability, said: "While gambling can be a satisfying activity for numerous, extreme or issue gaming can have unfavorable impacts.


"It is necessary that those experiencing betting harm know that support is offered without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma prevention campaign.


"We have striven to better equip our associates to support consumers and made a mindful choice to use a betting block with a 72-hour cooling off period to help people make decisions that are ideal for them.


"However, greater cooperation among industry, federal government and charities is necessary to truly deal with monetary damage triggered by excessive or issue gambling."


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


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for betting Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding damaging gambling can avoid those in need from seeking vital assistance, so we welcome this important project from GambleAware.


"We have now introduced a on betting revenues which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research, prevention and treatment, more encouraging the general public discussion around gambling damage.


"While the majority of people bet safely, we identify the effect damaging betting can have. That is why we are further strengthening defenses for those at danger, executing a stake limitation on online slots and more stringent rules on gaming marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance approach to wagering by kids.


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


"Advertising should abide by stringent guidelines and safer gaming messaging, which promotes much safer gaming tools and signposts help to those concerned about their wagering, is regularly and plainly displayed.


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


"BGC members and certified operators have actually willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to deal with problem gambling and betting related harm, through a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 percent of all issue gamblers getting treatment in Britain.


"This money is allocated independently of industry, the bulk of which is handled by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is advising anyone who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to search its site for advice, tools and support.


Anyone stressed over their gambling or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 free of charge, confidential suggestions, tools, and assistance.


YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 people who gamble between February 13 and 26.