UK: young people twice as likely to want to change their gambling habits
A new app offering free, anonymous support to people seeking to reduce or quit gambling has been launched by GambleAware, as data shows young adults in the UK are disproportionately motivated to change their behaviour.
According to new findings released by the charity, “18-24 year olds who gamble are twice as likely to want to reduce or quit gambling compared to the average among all people who gamble (29% compared to 15%).”
The GambleAware Support Tool, launched in response to this demand, allows users to set personal goals and track their progress. The app is grounded in internationally recognised research and is designed to prevent the escalation of gambling harms, explained the charity.
‘Save money’ and ‘feel happier’ top motivators
Since the launch of the app, GambleAware says that “48% of users aged 18-24 have indicated their motivation to change their gambling habits is to ‘save money’, while 27% say they want to ‘feel happier.'”
The tool has been designed for people who prefer to make changes without formal treatment. “Previous research has shown that there are up to 4.5 million people in Great Britain wanting to reduce or quit gambling, 93% of whom – over 4.2 million people – want to do so without using a treatment service.”
By offering “informal ‘self-help’ support,” the charity expects to “meet people where they are on their journey and help them take action before any harm escalates.”
Grounded in global gambling research
The app is the first of its kind in Britain to use the Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG), which recommend that people who continue to gamble should: “Gamble no more than 1% of your income,” “Gamble on no more than 4 days per month,” and “Avoid more than 2 types of gambling per month.”
The LRGGs were developed “through a multi-faceted project including analysis of data from over 60,000 people from eight different countries,” explained the charity.
Users of the app can input the frequency and spending of their gambling and track their behaviour against personalised goals. “All advice and support is evidence-based,” and the app also offers “access to resources such as podcasts and educational materials.” There is “clear signposting to formal support options,” including ‘s service finder tool.
‘A 바카라 in our pocket’
Alexia Clifford, Chief Communications Officer for GambleAware, said: “Whether individuals want to reduce, manage or stay gamble-free, the GambleAware Support Tool is here every step of your journey.”
“The digital age means we essentially have a 바카라 in our pocket, and we know increased accessibility leads to increased participation and therefore increased risk of harm.”
“These harms are a growing public health issue, but early intervention is key, and the GambleAware Support Tool app is designed to give people a timely insight into their gambling, with the aim of supporting their journey to reducing or quitting their activity.”
