GambleAware has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about how up to one million women in the UK may be at risk of gambling-related harm. 

GambleAware: Educating women about gambling

The new campaign will educate women about three critical warning indicators while directing them to relevant resources. These warning signals include losing track of time, exceeding one’s financial means, and concealing gaming from friends and family.

According to the responsible gambling organization data, the number of women seeking gambling treatment has more than doubled in the last five years, increasing from 1,134 in 2015/16 to 2,424 in 2020/21.

According to GambleAware, 39% of women may avoid seeking help or treatment for problem gambling because of fear of perceived stigma, shame, or simply not wanting others to know about their gambling behavior. The organization believes that while an ‘increasing proportion’ of persons experiencing gambling harms utilize the National Gambling Treatments Service (NGTS) or the National Helpline, only a ‘fraction’ of those experiencing gambling harms do. GamblesAware’s new campaign follows a period during which the charity has increased its investment in research into the impact of harmful gambling on women, including awarding a £250,000 grant to a research team examining the topic in November 2021.

GambleAware launched its new campaign with a film starring television and radio celebrity Angellica Bell discussing the harms associated with gambling with Liz Karter MBE, a gambling addiction counselor, and GP Dr. Ellie Cannon.

Quotes from the Press Release

“We are introducing this new gambling damage prevention campaign at a time when up to a million women may be at risk of gambling harm,” said Zoe Osmund, CEO of GambleAware.

“Our research indicates that women may be unaware they are beginning to experience harm from gambling or may be fearful of seeking help owing to stigma or shame. That is why our campaign emphasizes warning indicators to watch for, allowing us to assist women who gamble and prevent them from developing gambling damages.”

“Gambling behaviors manifest differently in women than they do in males,” Karter observed. “For instance, we know that the ease with which internet gambling is available attracts many women to games that appear benign and socially acceptable.

“The games appear to be safe and familiar due to their resemblance to the free-to-play digital games that we are all accustomed to enjoying. Additionally, the prospect of financial gain can be a strong motivator. While gambling may not always result in harm, women must recognize early warning signs such as losing track of time, accumulating debt, a desire to conceal gambling from others, or gambling to forget about their issues.”

“While the economic implications of problematic gambling are apparent, the cost to individuals and those who care about them as a result of their addiction cannot be emphasized,” said Health Minister Gillian Keegan.

“This campaign is an excellent method to promote awareness about the consequences of gambling on an individual’s health, as well as the health of their friends and family. By exposing early warning signals, assisting women, and providing assistance, we can help end harmful gambling.

“More broadly, we are aiming to protect vulnerable people from the devastating effects of gaming, particularly through specialized NHS gambling addiction clinics, as part of our £2.3 billion annual investment in mental health services expansion through 2023/24.”