GambleAware has introduced a new mobile application, the GambleAware Support Tool, providing free, confidential assistance to individuals seeking to curtail or cease gambling activities. This initiative is in response to recent research indicating a significant need for such resources.
A recent survey reveals that 29% of British adults aged 18–24 who gamble desire to reduce or quit gambling, almost double the national average of 15%. This highlights a particularly vulnerable demographic. Estimates suggest that up to 4.5 million adults in Great Britain are actively trying to lessen or eliminate their gambling involvement.
The GambleAware Support Tool facilitates this process by enabling users to monitor their gambling behaviors, establish personalized goals, and access tailored guidance aligned with the Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG). These globally recognized guidelines advocate for limiting gambling expenditure to a maximum of 1% of income, restricting gambling to no more than four days per month, and avoiding more than two types of gambling per month. Importantly, this app is currently the only one in Great Britain incorporating LRGG principles to mitigate gambling-related risks.
The development of this app directly addresses the findings of GambleAware’s 2023 Audience Segmentation study, which underscored a preference among those seeking help (93%) for informal, self-directed approaches over formal treatment programs.
Alexia Clifford, GambleAware’s Chief Communications Officer, commented, “Regardless of whether individuals aim to reduce, manage, or abstain from gambling, the GambleAware Support Tool offers support throughout the process. Early intervention is crucial, and the app is designed to provide prompt insights into gambling patterns.”
The app also offers supplementary resources, including podcasts and educational materials, and provides links to formal support services, such as GambleAware’s service finder, when necessary. This launch follows GambleAware’s recent public appeal for the National Lottery to enhance the visibility of gambling harm support services, an appeal supported by the 2024 Annual Treatment and Support Survey, where 74% of respondents advocated for clearer signposting to help services by the Lottery. GambleAware continues to advocate for heightened responsible gambling standards across all gambling platforms, particularly highlighting elevated harm risks for neurodivergent individuals.
