The charity, which commissions prevention and treatment services, said 28,000 of those individuals – around one in four – afterwards sought further support from a trained advisor via the National Gambling Helpline.
GambleAware’s self-assessment tool gives users a series of statements. It asks them to select how much the statement applies to their gambling behaviour on a scale of 1-10.
GambleAware said the uptake aligns with increasing numbers accessing treatment and support through the National Gambling Support Network. This includes a 20% rise in people receiving extended early intervention support.
“The figures released today underscore the critical role third-sector services play as part of a whole-system-approach to addressing gambling harms,” said Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware.
“As we approach the government’s planned announcement around the structure of the new system, it’s imperative a comprehensive prevention-led approach is prioritised, including increased investment into free, confidential support services, educational initiatives, public health campaigns and digital resources, which allow for a tailored approach for all communities across Great Britain who need our support.”
Success of wider gambling harms campaign
The tool became available in April 2023, at the same time GambleAware’s “Let’s Open Up About Gambling” campaign was launched.
The campaign reached tens of millions of people as part of the drive to reduce barriers in accessing support. More than 50% went on to take steps to prevent gambling harm.
The charity said the past year has also seen a record 24% rise in calls to the GambleAware-commissioned National Gambling Helpline. It said this points to growing demand for a holistic response to address the impact of gambling on society.
GambleAware has now trained more than 8,000 professionals across different sectors to assist those who may be experiencing gambling harm.
Last month, GambleAware defended its record following a complaint submitted to the Charity Commission by the Good Law Project. The non-profit organisation alleges that GambleAware trustees are not meeting the charity’s aims to offer sufficient gambling harm education.
According to the complaint, this has been fuelled by GambleAware’s connections to the industry and its “reliance on industry funding”.
At the time, Osmond said GambleAware is “robustly independent from the gambling industry”.