GamCare registers 25% increase in calls and chats to helpline

GamCare has released the latest figures about the National Gambling Helpline, reporting that the line saw 55,228 calls and online chat sessions registered in 2023-24 from people who said they were experiencing gambling-related harm.

GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline helps more people in 2023-24

This is a 25% increase from a year prior and indicates that the helpline is working while also raising some questions about the proliferation of gambling and the impact it may be having on people in the United Kingdom.

GamCare further broke down the data it had collected about these interactions, classifying 41,070 of the calls—or some 74%—as supportive interventions.

A supportive intervention is characterized by GamCare help agents offering "initial guidance and advice" and also helping vulnerable consumers or those who already experience gambling-related harm to enrol themselves into simple and efficient treatment services. Commenting on the results, GamCare Executive Chari of Board Margot Daly had this to say:

"I would like to thank and pay tribute to our frontline staff who provide 24/7 support for all those at risk or in distress. I also want to thank GamCare’s senior executive team who have steered GamCare through a period of sustained change, and to my fellow trustees for their guidance, unwavering support and the time each has dedicated to ensuring that the charity stays on course and on mission."

This approach has been largely effective. As of March 2024, 57% of individuals who enrolled in some type of treatment said that they had been referred by GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, a true testament to the charity’s ability to influence people to make better decisions even when they are experiencing gambling-related distress.

In the year to April 2024, more than 9,100 free treatment sessions were delivered with an average wait time from point of referral at just 2.1 days.

GamCare’s helpline helps people get connected to help right away

Not only has GamCare been able to establish a robust infrastructure allowing vulnerable consumers to get help right away, but it has also been able to follow that through with a solid treatment and support network as well.

GamCare has similarly worked with various professional to help them spot the early signs of gambling-related problems amongst women and young people. A total of 10,344 professionals have been trained this way, and education has been delivered to 53,324 young people, the organization said.

"As we look ahead to how the future of the gambling harms sector is shaped, we are committed to working proactively with the NHS and other partners and commissioners to ensure that people are continually able to receive the right support at the right time," Daly wrapped up.

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