GambleAware’s New Data Maps Illuminate UK Gambling Harm Hotspots

In a groundbreaking development for the UK gambling sector, GambleAware, a prominent grant-making body backed by the gaming industry, has unveiled detailed data maps illustrating the landscape of gambling harms across the nation.

These maps serve as a crucial visual tool for stakeholders within the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), providing in-depth insights into problem gambling harms segmented by local authorities and parliamentary constituencies. Crafted by PoliMapper, these maps are designed to identify regions with heightened levels of gambling harm and a corresponding need for increased support and treatment.

The data, based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and gathered from GambleAware’s Annual Great Britain Treatment and Support Survey in November 2022, has been meticulously adapted to visually represent varying degrees of gambling harm across different areas. This tool is intended to bolster GambleAware and the NGSN’s efforts in implementing a region-first strategy, ensuring local communities have access to essential support services.

With these maps, GambleAware aims to empower stakeholders and policymakers to effectively tailor their approaches and resources based on specific local needs. It’s a significant step towards a more data-driven and responsive framework in tackling gambling-related issues across the UK.

Further Insights from the Data Maps:

Comprehensive Mapping Categories: The data maps are divided into five distinct categories, each displaying vital aspects of gambling prevalence in the UK. These categories include overall gambling prevalence percentages, usage and demand for gambling treatment and support services, and a comparative analysis of service utilization based on PGSI categories.

Localized Problem Gambling Context: An innovative search tab feature enables users to access a detailed profile of problem gambling harms and the estimated fiscal costs for each district or constituency. This level of granularity is pivotal in understanding the unique challenges faced by different regions.

National Health and Policy Implications: Last month, the UK government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport launched a consultation on implementing a levy on gambling operators. This proposed levy, part of the government’s gambling white paper, aims to generate £100m annually for the National Health Service (NHS). The shift to an NHS-overseen levy from GambleAware’s current role in dispersing operator donations is seen as a move towards greater independence and transparency in addressing gambling harms.

Conclusion:

GambleAware’s release of these data maps marks a significant advancement in understanding and addressing gambling-related harms in the UK. By providing a clear visual representation of problem gambling across different regions, stakeholders are now better equipped to develop targeted strategies and allocate resources where they are most needed. These maps are not just a resource; they are a call to action for a more informed and effective response to gambling-related challenges across the UK.