Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'everywhere ´, Charity Finds

Almost 2 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 individuals to "open up" after a study suggested 67% of the general public believe there is still preconception around betting harms, and alerted that anybody might be at threat - including kids.


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


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


It's important that those experiencing betting harm know that support is offered without judgment


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide


The charity, together with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is calling for a national conversation to lower the stigma around gambling damage that is holding individuals back from seeking assistance.


Research from the charity has discovered that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with betting hide their activities from their household and friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most severe damage do not look for support due to feelings of embarassment or shame.


The campaign seeks to take on the stigma related to harmful gambling (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


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


"Our lives are swamped with betting marketing and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a big on people's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children impacted objectives to shine a light on this pushing problem and encourage significant dialogue."


GambleAware is calling for stricter limitations on betting advertising, stating the addicting nature of betting items and marketing combined with the universality of betting marketing suggested anyone might be at threat of harm.


Gambling damage preconception can avoid individuals from opening about betting and looking for the assistance they need.


As Maia states, you do not require to manage gambling harms on your own. It can trigger additional pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.


Let's open about gaming. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, stated: "While betting can be an enjoyable activity for lots of, excessive or problem betting can have negative effects.


"It is essential that those experiencing betting harm understand that assistance is offered without judgment, and that is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance project.


"We have worked hard to much better equip our colleagues to support customers and made a conscious decision to provide a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to assist people make choices that are ideal for them.


"However, greater cooperation amongst market, government and charities is necessary to really tackle financial harm caused by extreme or issue gaming."


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


Betting and Gaming Council


Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding hazardous betting can prevent those in requirement from looking for essential assistance, so we invite this important campaign from GambleAware.


"We have actually now introduced a statutory levy on gambling profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research, avoidance and treatment, further encouraging the general public discussion around betting damage.


"While the majority of people bet safely, we identify the effect hazardous gaming can have. That is why we are further reinforcing protections for those at threat, implementing a stake limit on online slots and more stringent guidelines on betting marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) representative stated: "BGC members take a zero tolerance method to wagering by children.


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


"Advertising must abide by rigorous guidelines and much safer gambling messaging, which promotes more secure betting tools and signposts help to those worried about their betting, is regularly and prominently showed.


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


"BGC members and certified operators have actually willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to tackle problem gaming and betting related damage, through a voluntary levy system, consisting of ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities presently looking after 85 percent of all issue gamblers getting treatment in Britain.


"This cash is assigned independently of market, most of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."


GambleAware is urging anyone who is concerned about how gambling makes them feel to search its website for recommendations, tools and assistance.


Anyone fretted about their betting or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 totally free, personal recommendations, tools, and support.


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