The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has initiated a public consultation to develop guidance for addressing “Harmful Gambling.” This comprehensive framework aims to identify, assess, and manage gambling-related harms, aligning with broader efforts to reduce harmful gambling in the UK. The recent NHS Health Survey reveals a decline in problem gambling rates from 2018 to 2021, with a need to further mitigate these issues.
The Decrease in Problem Gambling Rates:
According to the most recent NHS Health Survey, covering data from 2021 to 2022, the overall problem gambling rate in the UK decreased from 0.5% in 2018 to 0.4%. Both men and women have experienced reductions in their problem gambling rates during this period. For men, the rate fell from 0.8% in 2018 to 0.6% in 2021, while women’s rates decreased from 0.3% to 0.1% during the same time frame.
Early Exposure and Gambling-Related Harms:
A report by GambleAware underscores the link between early exposure to gambling and gambling-related harms in later life. It revealed that 64% of adults who have experienced gambling-related harm knew someone who gambled as a child. The report highlights the stigma associated with seeking help as a significant obstacle, with 33% of adults currently facing gambling harm not accessing treatment. Moreover, 87% of those dealing with significant gaming harms experience relapses despite their efforts to quit.
Industry Initiatives to Combat Harmful Gambling:
In additional efforts to tackle harmful gambling, the Kindred Group reported a significant reduction in its share of revenue from harmful gambling. The company’s share of high-risk players decreased from 3.3% of gross winnings revenue in Q4 2022 to 3% in Q1 2023, following the launch of a new initiative. The Kindred Group’s long-term goal is to ultimately derive 0% of its revenue from harmful gambling.
The public consultation on “Harmful Gambling” guidance by NICE reflects the commitment to addressing the issue of gambling-related harms in the UK. The decline in problem gambling rates and the focus on early exposure to gambling emphasize the importance of comprehensive measures to mitigate these issues. Industry initiatives, such as the Kindred Group’s efforts to reduce harmful gambling revenue, play a vital role in creating a safer gambling environment.