GamCare received a record number of gambling harm-related calls and chats during its most recently reported 12-month period. [image: Shutterstock.com]

A concerning uptick

GamCare has revealed that it is receiving a record number of calls from people seeking help for gambling-related harm. The UK non-profit group provided figures in its 2022-2023 annual report demonstrating the noticeable uptick.

a new record for the organization that began in 1997

For the 12-month period that ended March 31, there were 44,049 chats or calls made to GamCare and the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline, representing a 4.7% year-on-year rise and setting a new record for the organization that began in 1997.

This led to the administration of 38,456 treatment sessions, including 9,009 structured treatment sessions. The latter is a more in-depth type of course that people go through if they are experiencing gambling harm, with 92% of participants completing it entirely. The age group that made the most calls was the 26 to 35-year-old bracket, representing almost 42% of the communications.

Availing of support services

The main reason given by people accessing the helpline was chasing wins/losses, with 63% citing this as their primary issue. Around 34% of individuals said they gambled for escapism and 31% found themselves in financial difficulties due to their gambling.

One of the biggest areas of concern for GamCare is online slot games, with three in five online GamCare callers pointing to these types of gambling products as an issue.

Of the people who contacted the hotline, 68% were men and 30% were women, with the remainder being transgender or otherwise represented. The vast majority of people got in touch regarding their own gambling, while 13% contacted to speak about the behavior of someone else in their lives.

64,374 individuals completed gambling awareness training

One of the other support services that GamCare offers is gambling awareness workshops. A total of 64,374 individuals completed gambling awareness training during the period, including 45,562 at-risk young people attending workshops.

Looking to the future

GamCare Chair of Trustees Margot Daly is pleased with the progress the organization has made in its 25 years of supporting people with gambling-related issues. She noted that more people are now willing to come forward to get help as a result of the charity’s efforts. Daly explained how the focus going into the future “remains on reducing barriers to accessing support and delivering the high-quality services that can change people’s lives.”

GamCare offers a multitude of ways for people to get in touch, including a 24/7 phone line, live chat, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp Chat, as well as chatrooms and forums for people to discuss different issues.

GamCare is currently without a permanent CEO after Anna Hemmings left the role at the end of the financial year following five years at the helm. It relies heavily on donations to continue offering its services. For the most recent 12-month financial period, it received £7.4m ($8.5m) in donations and £12.5m ($14.3m) through charitable activities.