GamCare made a record number of referrals for treatments for gambling-related harm during January 2026, according to new data from the charity.
As per figures released by GamCare, 966 referrals for treatment and peer-based support services were made last month.
This marked a significant increase compared to the previous year, with the figure rising 48% year on year.
Two of GamCare’s services offered include its Money Guidance Service and its Way Forward initiative which supports women affected by gambling-related harm.
When excluding recommendations for those initiatives, treatment referrals still rose to 742, up from 603 in January 2025.
The charity noted that only three months in the past five years had seen higher number of referrals.
Those were the 1,165 recorded in October 2025, 1,022 recorded in September 2025 and 1,077 reported in August 2025.
GamCare launched a national ad campaign promoting the use of the National Gambling Helpline in October last year.
The spike in activity comes as gambling-related harm charities prepare for statutory levy funding to be dished out by the new commissioners: NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and UK Research and Innovation.
A GamCare statement read: “People are moving from ‘help-seeking’ to ‘treatment-starting’ faster.
“The proportion of target calls converting into treatment has increased markedly, suggesting callers are more ready to engage in structured support and that referral pathways are working efficiently.
“Nationally, the National Gambling Helpline is the most common route into treatment. Specialist wraparound help is reaching the right people.
“Flexible and person-centred services plug critical gaps identified in recent evaluations of the UK treatment landscape.
“New data demonstrates GamCare’s public health approach to tackling gambling harm. Gambling harm affects individuals, families and communities, with well documented mental health and financial impacts.
“Public health reviews emphasise prevention and rapid access to treatment; improving conversion from helpline contact to treatment is a key step in reducing harm.”
Victoria Corbishley, GamCare CEO, added: “More people affected by gambling harms are choosing to start treatment.
“The National Gambling Helpline is a 24/7, confidential route to support, and our advisers rapidly connect people with free, specialist help across Great Britain. That first conversation remains the crucial turning point.”
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain, released in October, revealed around 1.4 million people scored an eight or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index in 2024.
The post GamCare reports record treatment referrals from National Gambling Helpline first appeared on EGR Intel.
Gambling charity made almost 1,000 recommendations of treatment and peer-based support services in January, up 48% year on year
The post GamCare reports record treatment referrals from National Gambling Helpline first appeared on EGR Intel.