Gambling Self-Assessment Grows in the UK Says GambleAware

A year ago, GambleAware launched an online self-assessment tool for gambling support. Over 100,000 individuals have used it.

GambleAware offers prevention and treatment gambling services and launched the assessment tool in April 2023 to give individuals another option for gambling support.

The self-assessment tool usage figures also show that approximately one in four individuals (28,000) who used the self-assessment services then went on to use support from the National Gambling Helplines trained advisors. This highlights how self-assessment can lead to individuals seeking further support.

How the tool works

When individuals use the self-assessment tool, they are asked a number of statements. They must score on a scale of one to 10 how much each statement relates to their particular gambling behaviour.

But this is not a one-off self-assessment use. The National Gambling Support Network has seen increasing numbers of individuals accessing treatment for gambling, and they've seen an increase of 20% of individuals receiving early intervention support.

The CEO of GambleAware, Zoë Osmond, said the self-assessment tool usage figures ‘Underscore the critical role third-sector services play as part of a whole-system approach to addressing gambling harms.’

She added, ‘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.

Other initiatives in use

At around the same time last year, another gambling harms initiative was introduced by GambleAware. The ‘Let’s Open Up About Gambling’ campaign aimed to reduce barriers to gambling support.

Tens of millions were reached by this campaign, and over 50% took steps to prevent gambling issues due to the campaign.

GambleAware now has over 8,000 trained workers to support gambling harms.

In addition, the last twelve months have seen a record 24% increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline (commissioned by GambleAware).

For more information, go to GambleAware, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 0133, or read our responsible gambling guides.