Only one in 200 people who engage in harmful gambling are benefiting from specialist treatment to combat addiction, according to an analysis of new data. Figures published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities earlier this month estimated there are almost 1.6 million adults in England who participate in harmful gambling and may benefit from support or treatment.
In 2022/2023, the National Gambling Treatment Service, now known as the National Gambling Support Network, treated 6,645 individuals in England, Scotland and Wales, with services commissioned by the charity GambleAware. In addition, there were 1,389 referrals to NHS gambling harms services.
The figures do not include early interventions or the provision of advice, but indicate the small proportion of problem gamblers who are getting the treatment they require.
