The UK National Gambling Treatment Service says only about 3% of problem gamblers in the UK are receiving full treatment for their addiction.
Statistics show only about 9,008 problem gamblers received treatment from March 2019 to March 2020. That’s actually a rise over the 7,675 that received treatment the previous year.
The statistics have been released as the UK Gambling Commission begins a public comment phase on restructuring the country’s problem gambling protections.
According to the study, of the 9,008 who received treatment, almost half had reported debts, while around 25% claimed they lost relationships due to problem gambling. And just over 10% said they had lost their job because of their negative gambling habits.
The statistics also indicate an increase in online gambling, which rose from 57% in 2019 to 69% in 2020.
The Gambling Commission has announced the consultation phase to gain feedback on how operators can strengthen their ability to identify players at risk of gambling harms.
The consultation seeks feedback from industry stakeholders on proposals that will improve how operators, and gambling businesses in general, act on information about a consumer’s vulnerability. The commission said in a press release it wants ideas on how operators can improve their interaction with customers most at risk of problem gambling, and the best course of action suitable to prevent such harms.
The Gambling Commission is also calling for views on customer affordability conduct assessments at thresholds set by the commission, and evidence on what the thresholds and nature of the checks should be, the release said.
The commission said it called for the public phase due to evidence that the current thresholds for action by operators are currently too high and not effective at preventing harms to vulnerable customers.
“Whilst some operators have continued to improve their customer interaction processes, our evidence shows that many online operators are not setting thresholds for action at appropriate levels,” said Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director. “We are clear on the need for gambling companies to take further action and that the Commission must set firm requirements to set consistent standards.”
The consultation will run from November 3 to January 12.
