Published this week, the charity’s latest Annual Statistics from the National Support Network (Great Britain) provides insights into the performance of the NGSN. This report contains data for the twelve months from 1 April 2023 to 31 May 2024.
Commissioned by GambleAware, the NGSN offers free, confidential treatment and support services for those affected by gambling harm. It collaborates with NHS and other third sector organizations to deliver comprehensive support and treatment.
The findings reveal that 10,754 individuals accessed the NGSN over the period. This includes individuals receiving treatment across the network’s three tiers, with tier 2 initial early intervention being introduced for the first time this year.
A total of 3,291 people accessed tier 2 support for issues related to their gambling behavior. This might include consultations with trained professionals from the NGSN’s regional or national services. GambleAware highlighted that 3,048 individuals who underwent early intervention proceeded to receive further treatment.
An additional 6,931 people received tier 3 support during the reporting period. This level of treatment encompasses one-to-one and group support sessions, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Furthermore, 532 individuals received Tier 4 treatment, the most specialized and intensive level of care offered by the NGSN. This level of treatment involves a stay at a residential treatment center.
Rising demand for support due to others’ gambling behavior
Among the 7,463 people who accessed tier 3 or 4 support and treatment, GambleAware reported that 70% identified as male and 90% were from a white ethnic background.
Three-quarters of all clients were aged 45 or younger, with the age groups 30-34 and 35-39 being the most prevalent, each representing 38% of total tier 3 and 4 clients.
The most common gambling platform was online, with 70% of clients gambling through this medium. Meanwhile, 35% reported gambling at retail bookmakers, with gaming machines being the most popular form of gambling in these places at 23%, followed by sports betting at 11%.
Additionally, 15% of clients sought help due to another person’s gambling behavior, which is higher than the past five-year average of 13%.
Further findings indicate that 89% of users were categorized as experiencing problem gambling according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). GambleAware employs this index to identify individuals who are or may be at risk of gambling harm.
Moreover, 66% of those surveyed reported experiencing financial debt due to their gambling behavior. Approximately 11% lost their jobs because of gambling, and 24% faced relationship issues.
Most referrals (54%) to the NGSN were made through the National Gambling Helpline, with 23% being self-referrals.
Decline in treatment completion rates observed by GambleAware
Regarding the scheme’s effectiveness, there was mixed feedback. Half of the clients had their first appointment within six days of contact, with 75% attending within a 12-day timeframe.
Among those whose treatment concluded within the reported period, 61% completed the full treatment process, which is below the five-year average of 68%. Additionally, GambleAware noted that 28% of those documented in the report left treatment before completion.
However, among those who completed treatment, PGSI improvements were evident in 95% of clients, compared to 62% of those who did not complete the scheme.
Upon completion of NGSN treatment, the rate of problem gambling dropped from 87% to 10% from initial assessment to the end of treatment. Within this group, incidents of moderate psychological distress fell from 49% to 10%, with severe distress decreasing from 11.5% to 0.7%.
GambleAware emphasizes the impact of early intervention
Anna Hargrave, Chief Commission and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, reflected on the new report, emphasizing the crucial role of early intervention in aiding individuals to access treatment down the line.
“Not only have we reached more people, but we have also been able to identify and support them at a much earlier stage, which partly explains the rise in people receiving treatment and support,” commented Hargrave.
Hargrave also expressed her support for the new statutory levy proposed for the sector, announced today (27 November) by the government. This levy is expected to generate £100 million to aid in the treatment and prevention of gambling harm. These resources will support both GambleAware and the NGSN.
“We eagerly anticipate the implementation of the statutory levy on gambling operators and the forthcoming gambling harms commissioning system,” she stated. “We will continue to partner with all entities within the sector, including the NHS.”