Year on year increases highlight crucial role of the National Gambling Support Network

• Increase of 11% in the number of people supported – just under 12,000 in 2024/25
• Referrals increased over 7% year-on-year from 2022/23, while waiting times remain short with 50% of clients having their first appointment within six days 
• 93% of clients completing treatment saw an improvement, with rate of 'problem gambling’ falling from 86% to 12% for this group
• One quarter of people said problem gambling started at 18 years old, while the median age of onset of problem gambling is just 24 years old 

The latest report highlighting the performance of the National Gambling Support Network has been published today by GambleAware, the leading charity working to keep people safe from gambling harm in Great Britain, with the annual data highlighting year on year increases in the number of people being supported. 

The new report shows that referrals increased by over 7%, with almost 14,500 people directed to relevant NGSN services. Conversion from referral to active treatment remained strong, improving from 76% to 78%. This has resulted in almost 12,000 being supported over the last year – a 11% increase from the year before. 

The effectiveness of services has been maintained despite the increase throughput, as shown in the outcome data, with the rate of gambling-related harm falling from 86% to 12% among those who complete treatment.   

The NGSN is commissioned by GambleAware and provides free, confidential treatment and support services for gambling harm, working with the NHS and other third sector organisations. It offers a range of integrated, holistic treatment and interventions which are tailored to an individual’s specific needs. It also specialises in prevention and post-treatment aftercare to ensure that throughout their recovery journey, service users can access support at any time, preventing harms from escalating and reducing the risk of experiencing a recurrence of harm from gambling. 

The Network operates across in England, Scotland and Wales, and is available for anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling, including those affected by someone else’s gambling.  

Across the two-year period since the NGSN launched, of those who contacted the Network for support, around 60% went on to receive Tier 3 structured treatment, which includes treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and one-to-one support, highlighting the Network’s commitment to sustained and evidence-based care. 

The annual NGSN report highlights the level of support the Network is offering, it also highlights how young people are being affected by gambling harms. One quarter of people reported ‘problem gambling’ starting by the age of 18-years-old, while the median age of onset of problem gambling is just 24 years old. 

GambleAware has carried out significant work around the impact of the stigma those affected by gambling harms can experience, and this can often be a reason why people delay seeking the help they need. The report published today highlights that at the point of presentation to gambling services, clients reported having started gambling on average (median) 10 years prior. 

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The criticality of the National Gambling Support Network’s has once again been highlighted in these Annual Statistics, but its impact stretches far beyond what is captured in this publication.  

“While treatment numbers continue to rise, the significance of prevention, early intervention and long-term recovery continues to be paramount to its success, and we hope that will continue into the future system. 

“The most important thing is that those who require support, have the opportunity to get the help they need, at the right time and right place.  The NGSN is a vital part of the gambling harms landscape, and we look forward to seeing its impact continue into the new statutory gambling harms system.” 

The full report can be viewed here.

The National Gambling Support Network is available for anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling and wants support for it, including people who are affected by someone else’s gambling. For more information, search GambleAware or contact the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7, on 0808 8020 133.  

 

ENDS 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

The NGSN offers four tiers of treatment and support:  

Tier 1 – This is the very earliest stage of engagement that leans towards brief interventions, awareness raising and understanding risks associated with gambling 

Tier 2 - initial early intervention and support for people worried about their gambling, which may involve speaking to a trained professional from one of the NGSN’s regional or national services who will give initial support and if treatment is required talk people through their options. 

Tier 3 – which could include forms of treatment such as one-to-one support, group treatment, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  

Tier 4 – the most specialised and intensive level of care within the NGSN, where a person stays at a residential treatment centre.   

About the National Gambling Support Network  

The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is a network of organisations across the UK. They provide free, non-judgmental, confidential treatment, advice and support on a range of gambling related issues. They support people who are experiencing gambling harms, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling.    

Those apart of the network are as follows: 

• ARA Recovery for All
• Adferiad
• Aquarius
• Beacon Counselling Trust
• Betknowmore
• Breakeven
• EPIC Restart Foundation
• GamCare
• Gordon Moody
• NECA 
• NHS Primary Care Gambling Service
• RCA Trust 
• Reframe Coaching

About GambleAware 

GambleAware is the leading independent charity (Charity No. England & Wales 1093910, Scotland SC049433) and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention and treatment across Great Britain to keep people safe from gambling harms.   

GambleAware commissions the National Gambling Support Network (NSGN) which provides, free confidential treatment, as well as the National Gambling Helpline which takes over 55,000 calls a year.  

The charity is independent and evidence-based, with a robust governance process in place to ensure the industry has absolutely no input or influence on our work.  

Gambling harms can affect anyone, and not just those who gamble, but also their families and communities. These harms particularly affect communities that already face inequality.