A significant portion of young adults, 29% of 18-24 year olds, have expressed a desire to curtail or cease gambling altogether, according to recent surveys. This compelling statistic significantly influenced the development of a new support application.
The GambleAware Support Tool: A Response to Emerging Needs
This insight, derived from ongoing research commissioned by GambleAware and conducted by YouGov, highlighted a critical need for accessible support resources, particularly among younger gamblers. The research consistently demonstrates a substantial demand for interventions aimed at mitigating the harmful consequences of gambling. Internal analysis of these findings spurred the creation of the GambleAware Support Tool, a mobile application launched in April 2025.
The app’s development was partly driven by the observation that individuals aged 18-24 are almost twice as likely to seek to reduce or quit gambling compared to the overall population (29% versus 15%). This demographic’s heightened vulnerability underscores the importance of targeted interventions.
Post-launch data reveals that a substantial 48% of users in the 18-24 age bracket cited financial savings as their primary motivation for reducing gambling activity. A further 27% reported aiming for improved emotional well-being, highlighting the multifaceted impact of problem gambling.
Addressing the Growing Problem of Gambling Harm
Alexia Clifford, GambleAware’s Chief Communications Officer, commented on the pervasive nature of gambling in the digital age: “The ubiquitous availability of online gambling presents significant challenges. Increased accessibility inevitably leads to higher participation rates and a correspondingly increased risk of harm.”
GambleAware’s research extends beyond age demographics. Studies have shown that neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, face a disproportionately higher risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.
The GambleAware Support Tool distinguishes itself by actively promoting the adoption of Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines. These guidelines suggest practical limits, such as restricting gambling expenditure to a maximum of 1% of income, limiting participation to no more than four days per month, and diversifying gambling activities to a maximum of two types per month.
The Scope of the Problem and the Promise of Support
Prior research, detailed in GambleAware’s 2023 Audience Segmentation report, estimated that up to 4.5 million individuals in Great Britain are seeking to reduce or quit gambling. Crucially, 93% of this substantial group desire to achieve this without formal treatment. The GambleAware Support Tool offers a valuable, readily accessible alternative, providing informal support for a significant population segment navigating gambling-related challenges.
