GambleAware has revealed that 12% more people used its addiction services during its most recent 12-month period. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Leading gambling addiction organization GambleAware has revealed a 12% year-on-year increase in the number of people using its services.

The entity’s National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) supported 11,000 people for the 12 months ended March 31, 2024. About 7,500 of these individuals underwent some form of structured treatment, such as residential care or cognitive behavioral therapy.

A large portion of people contacted the NGSN to discuss their gambling habits through an early intervention service.

95% of people who underwent treatment have shown positive signs of improvement

Highlighting the harms problematic gambling creates, two-thirds of people using the service struggle with betting-related debt, with almost a quarter of them losing relationships due to their behavior. NGSN’s efforts appear to be working, as 95% of people who underwent treatment have shown positive signs of improvement.

The NGSN highlighted the speed at which people can get help, with 50% of them receiving an initial consultation less than a week after contacting the network.

Talking about the recent figures, GambleAware Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer Anna Hargrave noted the success in identifying and supporting people at a much earlier stage, improving the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

She also looks forward to the mandatory levy on gambling operators coming into effect in April 2025, which will provide more funds to organizations like GambleAware.