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

Almost two thirds of people state that gambling advertising is "everywhere" as a charity required a national discussion to help those suffering damage.


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


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


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


It is very important that those experiencing gambling harm know 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 national organisations, is calling for a national conversation to lower the preconception around betting harm that is holding individuals back from looking for aid.


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


The project looks for to tackle the stigma associated with hazardous gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)


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


"Our daily lives are swamped with betting advertising and marketing, normalising what is a risky activity which can have a huge negative impact on individuals's lives, even children. This installation representing the 85,000 children impacted aims to shine a light on this pressing issue and encourage meaningful dialogue."


GambleAware is requiring stricter limitations on gambling marketing, stating the addictive nature of gaming products and marketing integrated with the universality of betting marketing indicated anyone could be at risk of harm.


Gambling damage stigma can prevent people from opening up about gambling and looking for the assistance they require.


As Maia says, you do not need to handle gambling damages by yourself. It can trigger additional pressure on yourself and your liked ones.


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


- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025


Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability, stated: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for numerous, excessive or problem gaming can have unfavorable effects.


"It is very important that those experiencing gaming harm know that assistance is readily available without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's continuous Stigma prevention project.


"We have worked tough to better equip our associates to support consumers and made a conscious decision to provide a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off duration to assist people make choices that are right for them.


"However, higher collaboration among market, government and charities is important to truly deal with financial harm triggered by extreme or problem gambling."


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 makers, bets in between good friends or household, and for cash - not with BGC members


Betting and Gaming Council


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


"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on betting revenues which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research, prevention and treatment, more encouraging the public conversation around gambling harm.


"While many people gamble safely, we identify the effect hazardous gaming can have. That is why we are more reinforcing securities for those at risk, executing a stake limitation on online slots and more stringent rules on betting marketing."


A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson stated: "BGC members take an absolutely no tolerance method to wagering by children.


"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 makers, bets in between pals or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.


"Advertising should abide by stringent standards and much safer gaming messaging, which promotes safer gambling tools and signposts help to those concerned about their betting, is frequently and plainly displayed.


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


"BGC members and certified operators have voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to tackle problem betting and betting associated damage, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, moneying an independent network of charities presently 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 urging anyone who is worried about how gambling makes them feel to browse its website for recommendations, tools and support.


Anyone stressed about their gambling or someone else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 for complimentary, private guidance, tools, and assistance.


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