Newcastle man backs calls for stricter gambling advertisement restrictions
Research from GambleAware reveals that 65% of adults agree that advertising increases the likelihood of experiencing gambling harm
A Newcastle former gambling addict is backing calls for stricter restrictions on gambling advertisement.
He explains that he gambled for the first time at a bowling alley when he was just 15-years-old and over time it just snowballed.
Craig Tampin, 35, said: “Recovery from gambling has given me a chance to live again. I’m no longer glued to my phone so I can be present with my family and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with not thinking about gambling constantly. It’s been a privilege to support others who are going through a similar experience to me, and I want anyone who is currently struggling to know that they are not alone.
“As a parent, I’ve seen first-hand how much gambling has invaded into children’s spaces and I know just how dangerous this can be. It’s shocking to hear that 85,000 children in Britain are experiencing gambling harms, and it’s an important reminder of how widespread the issue has become – we need to tackle it.”
National charity GambleAware believes the risk of gambling harm is directly related to the widespread level of gambling advertising in Britain.
They are calling for a national conversation around gambling harm – as new data reveals that two-thirds of the public feel there is stigma around the issue, which it warns is holding people back from seeking vital support.
They say that gambling harm is a societal issue that can affect anyone, but stigma prevents many people from getting help.
Research from the charity has found that a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with gambling hide their activities from their family and friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious harm do not seek support due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The charity is concerned about the widespread level of gambling advertising in Britain, which positions gambling as ‘harmless and just a bit of fun’, with the new data highlighting that 62% of the public say that it is ‘everywhere’, and two in five (39%) say they see it at least twice a day.
There are growing concerns about the long-term impact of gambling advertising in Britain, with the public exposed to advertising from a young age.
GambleAware’s new research found that almost a third (31%) of adults recall seeing their first gambling advert before the age of 17, and two-thirds (65%) of adults agree that such advertising increases the likelihood of individuals experiencing harm.
Nearly half of adults (47%) admitting they lack the confidence to support someone experiencing gambling harm.
GambleAware believes stricter restrictions on gambling advertising must be implemented to protect the public, a view supported by 78% of Britons.
They say the addictive nature of gambling products and advertising, combined with the ubiquity of gambling advertising, means anyone can be at risk of harm.