GambleAware survey revealed around 1.65 million children live with adults dealing with “problem gambling” effects. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Over 1.6 million kids impacted

An annual survey made on behalf of UK charity GambleAware has flagged up figures of approximately 1.65 million children living with adults who are dealing with “problem gambling” effects.

GambleAware published its 2024 Treatment and Support Survey on Wednesday, citing “first of its kind data.”

The new research drew attention to the scale of gambling harms impacting kids and youngsters under 18 and the lasting effects problem gambling can have on them.

four times more likely to go on to experience problem gambling themselves.”

In a press release citing results from the YouGov-conducted survey, GambleAware stated that kids exposed to gambling were “four times more likely to go on to experience problem gambling themselves.”

Another concern for children living in such households was the survey stat that 44% of their problem gambling, caregiving adults “were at high risk of suicidal behaviour.”

The groundbreaking study focused on gamblers who used or demanded advice, support and treatment, including individuals affected by those gambling. YouGov canvassed over 18,000 British adults via interviews with active and ex-gamblers, plus online focus groups with those impacted by gambling.

Calls for action

In its press release addressing the survey, GambleAware reiterated its July call for a ban on gambling marketing at sporting events which came after a previous survey conducted during the UEFA European Football Championship 2024 soccer tournament. 

According to The Standard, GambleAware used its latest report to repeat this call, including demands for a pre-watershed ban on gambling-related TV ads, plus better health warnings on all gambling ads.

GambleAware also urged gambling policy changes to help protect children and young people, a move supported by Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza. De Souza stated she welcomed the latest report bringing increased recognition of gambling harms, while adding: “I want to see far more attention given to the impact of gambling on children and young people.”

The Children’s Commissioner drew attention to a main concern of hers, that online gambling can “obscure the risks and the harms and are increasingly pervasive in children’s lives.”

De Souza stressed that regular exposure to gambling ads and related online content for young people risks “a long-term impact on their lives – on their mental or physical health, relationships or financial wellbeing.”

a mother with first-hard experience of problem gambling

The GambleAware press release also included a statement from Bianca Colclough, a mother with first-hard experience of problem gambling. Colclough said after her two children were born, she reached out for support after realizing “how the gambling harm I had been experiencing could affect them too.”

Urge still there

According to the survey, up to 130,000 ex-gamblers said they were still experiencing harms from previous gambling. GambleAware also estimated that 1.2 million adult ex-gamblers “reported feeling the urge to gamble again in the last six months.”

The Standard, meanwhile, cited a response from industry body the Betting and Gaming Council that stated its members donated over £170m ($223m) over the past four years to services aimed at combatting “problem gambling and gambling-related harm.”

overwhelming majority do so safely and responsibly.”

“Each month around 22.5 million people in Britain enjoy a bet and the overwhelming majority do so safely and responsibly,” stated the BGC.