GambleAware

New data reveals that 64% of adults in Great Britain who have experienced any problems with gambling have never spoken to anyone about it. Out of those, 39% attribute their silence to feelings of stigma, such as shame, guilt, and fear of judgement. Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Too often we see the devastating impacts of harmful gambling, and our white paper outlines a host of new measures we're implementing to protect those most at risk. A key element of our plans is the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling companies to raise sufficient, sustainable and trusted funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling related harm." "Stigma is the biggest barrier preventing people from seeking help, and I welcome GambleAware’s vital campaign which is raising awareness of the issue and helping people get the support they need.” Let's open up about gambling.

🎥 Filmed a little earlier in the Autumn, this video from GambleAware that now sits front and centre on their website highlights the risks that can come with gambling and the harm that could follow. Huge credit to the team at GambleAware that filmed it in a little studio in Whitechapel and edited what must have been seven hours plus of footage down into such a powerful two minute montage. Proud to have taken a small part in it, but the truth is there's an endless list of people that could just as well have had their own version of an all too familiar story shown here. Bless each and every one of them, many of whom I'm now lucky to know as friends and who revisit those past difficult times from their own lives over and over again in an effort to help others. The community of lived experience stands strong in trying to raise awareness of gambling harm and to support others who may be experiencing it. Whatever happens, those people will always be there to help as best they can. They get it, they relate to it and they have resilience beyond belief to keep on going - chances are you won't find that anywhere else. If you think you might be experiencing harm yourself, or are concerned about a family member, do as my now good friend tracy says at the end of the video, pick up the phone and start your own journey of getting support and getting better. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 802 0133

I really enjoyed attending GambleAware annual conference today. Building the bridge: A once in a generation opportunity to prevent gambling harm. An important topic in the charity sector as we care deeply about our players and being part of a community building a society free from gambling harm. Lots of insightful information and thought provoking conversations. I found the stats around advertisement restrictions across Europe really interesting and wonder how long it will be before we start to see some of these restrictions coming into play in the UK.

From Rock Bottom to the GambleAware Stage 💔➡️👏 A few years ago, I was in the darkest place of my life. Gambling had taken everything from me—my peace, my relationships, my hope. I even tried to end it all, convinced there was no way out. I didn’t plan it—life had other plans for me, I sat on a stage at the GambleAware Annual Conference, sharing my story of recovery and resilience. 10 minutes before, someone dropped out, and I was asked to step in. Without thinking twice, I said yes. I shared my journey—the pain, the lessons, and how I’ve used it to fuel my purpose of helping others break free from addiction. The round of applause I received wasn’t just for me—it was for anyone who’s ever felt hopeless and found the strength to rise again. This year, I’ve seen something amazing: organisations, charities, and people with lived experience like me finally coming together, sharing expertise, and creating real impact. Collaboration is key, and it’s making a difference. I also have to share this: I wrote in my manifestation journal that I wanted to speak at the House of Lords and this conference. This year, both dreams came true. ✨ To anyone struggling: I see you. I was you. And I promise, there’s hope on the other side. To everyone I met at the event: let’s keep this movement alive and help more people find their way to an addiction free life. Grateful beyond words 🙏 #RecoveryJourney #GamblingHarm #Collaboration #Manifestation #Purpose #GambleAware #Conference #London #LivedExperience

This week, the Prison Radio Association are taking part in their first ever Big Give Christmas Challenge, to raise awareness and funds for their project National Prison Radio, which supports up to 80,000 prisoners every single day, through the power of audio. Donate to their campaign between now and 12pm on December 10th to get your donation doubled: https://lnkd.in/gfEbqS7Y Together, we can be the sound of change. To learn more please follow Prison Radio Association

Thank you to all those who attended this year's Annual Conference! We had just under 800 of you join online and in-person! Your contribution today was invaluable, and positively reflected the great work and expertise that we have throughout the system, that must be retained. It was clear from all speakers that that collaboration and cooperation will be essential in building the bridge between the current voluntary gambling harms system and the future statutory one. As said perfectly by Claire Murdoch (National Mental Health Director, NHS England) this afternoon, "If you want to go faster, go alone, but if you want to go further, go together". Together, we will work together to build a society free from gambling harm. Reflections from today's talks: "We are playing our part to deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on an important foundation of work that is taking place. We are all playing our part in creating long-term change and delivering a society that meets our vision that is safe from gambling harm." - Zoe Osmond, CEO, GambleAware "We're here because we know gambling harm is an issue, and we're here because we care." - Sian Griffiths, Chair of Trustees, GambleAware "The Gambling Commission believes that better evidence leads to better decisions, and better decisions lead to better outcomes." - Tim Miller, Executive Director, Gambling Commission "I don't think we can keep outsourcing things to the gambling industry and expecting a different result, I think regulators need to be more active in creating a market for rig-tech solutions for people." - Matt Zarb-Cousin, Co-founder, Gamban Special thanks to all our speakers who helped to raise such important discussions around how we make the most of this once in a generation opportunity to prevent gambling harm, particularly: Liz Barclay Frank Atherton Paul Johnstone, Frankie Graham Sian Griffiths David Quinti Dr Raffaello Rossi Trudy Smit Quosai Alexia Clifford Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE DL, Stephen Bonner, Matt Zarb-Cousin Phil Hakim Alistair Barfield Rt. Hon. Stuart Andrew MP, Hilary Armstrong Harj Gahley Dhruv Tomar, Haroon Chowdry Anna Hargrave Steve Girling Joy Allen BA Hons MSc MBA Ian Semel Ruth Persian Darren Bailey Tim Miller Zoe Osmond Claire Murdoch Zoe Osmond We look forward to continued collaboration with you all next year!

How will the statutory levy build on our public health approach towards tackling gambling harm, and how can we better work together in the transition to the new system? Our speakers respond: “This is a pivotal moment for us all. It isn’t just a step forward, it’s an opportunity for us to fundamentally provide services for gambling harm across Great Britain.” - Sian Griffiths “We need to avoid losing some of the momentum we’ve gained during this transition to the new system.” - Frank Atherton “My public health colleagues need to step up to the mark and jointly work with you and those across the third sector and local government” - Paul Johnstone

DCMS Gambling Minister Fiona Twycross (Baroness Twycross) addressed the GambleAware conference, reaffirming the Labour government’s full confidence in the NHS as the steward of the UK Gambling industry’s new RET Levy. The design and implementation of the RET Levy highlight Labour’s commitment to fulfilling its manifesto pledge to reform UK gambling and reduce harm. Moving into wider affairs, Labour expects full accountability on of operators on advertising (conduct and volume) – DCMS has growing concerns about “white label” operators “using football in this country to advertise to consumers outside of Great Britain.” https://lnkd.in/dg7Fd-TZ

An interesting start to the day at the GambleAware conference by Fiona Twycross (Baroness Twycross) #GambleAware24 The Baroness said: “GambleAware have been crucial to getting gambling harms up in the agenda.” “I’m determined to limit people’s exposure to gambling harms.” We need to see a joined approach and ensure gambling and gambling related harm forms part of the governments National Financial Inclusion Strategy

Thought provoking comments from our speakers in the panel discussion, ‘Understanding gambling advertising policy across the globe’: “Advertising was very triggering for me. That was nine years ago… even now, it is quite out of control.” - David Quinti “78% of Brits think children should not see gambling advertising, but around 95% of them do.” - Dr Raffaello Rossi “We’re suggesting, ‘Take time to think’ is replaced with evidence based healthwarning that have been shown through our research to be more compelling clearer memorable and result in behaviour change.” “GambleAware as a source of advice tools and support is critical for people who are struggling.“ - Alexia Clifford “We’re looking for the sweet spot of strong regulation to prevent gambling harms” - Trudy Smit Quosai