Statistics on problem gamblers remained flat in 2016, while the amount of people participating in gambling fell 6 percent over 2015, according to a new report by the UK Gambling Commission.
The latest combined Health Survey reported 1.2 percent of gamblers were identified as having gambling issues, or about 0.7 percent of the UK population. The numbers were consistent with both the 2012 and 2015 editions of the same report.
Problem gambling rose with people who had participated in more than one type of betting activity in the past year, the report said. The report also said problem gambling rates can be higher among those with probable mental health issues.
“Understanding the level of problem gambling is an important part of making gambling safer, but what this data won’t show is the extent of the harm someone may be experiencing, or the wider impact upon their families and their communities,” said Tim Miller, executive director of the commission in a press release. “That is why, together with our expert advisers the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), we recently published a ground-breaking approach to understanding the full range of harms gambling can have on society.”
Other findings from the new report include a drop in gambling participation, which fell from 63 percent of adults in 2015 to 57 percent in 2016. The UK’s National Lottery was the most popular form of gambling, with 41 percent of people having taken part in at least one draw, followed by scratch cards at 21 percent and other lotteries with 14 percent.
“The Health Survey, along with all of our evidence and data, indicates that the problem gambling rate in Great Britain is stable,” Miller said. “However, we want to see a sustained and significant reduction in the levels of problem gambling and will continue to drive the industry to build momentum towards this goal.”
In a related story, the head of NHS England, which funds projects by the country’s Department of Health and Social Care has criticized gambling firms for failing to properly fund GambleAware, the country’s primary advocate or problem gamblers.
NHS Chief executive Simon Stevens also criticized football clubs for partnering with firms who are not meeting their obligations. Gambling firms are asked to donate 0.1 percent of their revenue to GambleAware.
“The NHS has opened its first mental health clinic aimed at gambling, and the Gambling Commission estimates there are 430,000 people with a gambling problem,” Stevens said at a recent health expo. “This is at the same time as the voluntary contribution from the gambling industry has not been responded to by eight overseas firms who sponsor Premier League clubs, so we need to get onto the Premier League to make sure they contribute.”
GambleAware officials quickly supported Stevens
“We welcome the call from NHS England for gambling companies, wherever they are based, to contribute more to treating problem gambling,” the group said in a press release. “This mental health condition affects 430,000 people, and although free treatment is available through BeGambleAware.org, only 2 percent of those who need help come forward to get it. We would like to see all clubs, leagues, and broadcasters who profit from gambling work with us to help fund treatment for this hidden addiction.”
