UK witnesses 30 per cent increase in calls seeking gambling help

There has been a 30 per cent rise in the number of calls made to the UK-wide National Gambling Helpline from people with a gambling problem over the last five years. According to the latest report from the National Gambling Helpline, the organisation received 29,889 calls in 2017–18, up from 22,875 in 2013–14.

Anna Hemmings, the chief executive of the National Gambling Helpline, said about 67 per cent dealt with financial problems while about 50 per cent of callers even had concerns about their mental health.

Funding for the helpline comes in part from GambleAware, an independent national charity funded by donations from the gambling industry.

Hemmings urged anyone with a gambling problem to make contact as soon as possible.

“We can work very effectively and in quite a short space of time,” she said. “That will help reduce the impact on family and the impact of gambling-related harm more broadly.”

Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission, told the BBC: “It is important that those struggling with gambling are able to access support when they need it.

“But a focus on preventing harm in the first place is equally important [and] that’s why we will continue to take actions to require gambling companies to spot those being harmed by gambling and step in to protect them.”