A significant portion of young adults, specifically 29% of gamblers aged 18-24, have expressed a desire to curtail or cease gambling altogether. This compelling statistic significantly influenced the development of GambleAware’s Support Tool app, launched in April 2025.
This app specifically targets younger demographics, a decision driven by GambleAware’s ongoing research. Commissioned surveys, conducted by YouGov, consistently reveal valuable insights into the effectiveness and demand for gambling harm reduction services. Internal analysis of this data highlighted that young adults (18-24) are almost twice as likely to seek to reduce or quit gambling compared to the general population (29% versus 15%).
Post-launch data reveals that financial considerations are a major driver for app users in this age group. A substantial 48% of users cited saving money as their primary motivation for reducing gambling activity. Furthermore, 27% aimed to improve their overall well-being and reported “feeling happier” as their goal.
Alexia Clifford, GambleAware’s Chief Communications Officer, commented on the increased accessibility of gambling in the digital age, stating that the ubiquitous nature of online gambling increases both participation and the associated risks.
GambleAware’s research also indicates elevated gambling harm risks among neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism. The GambleAware Support Tool uniquely promotes adherence to Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines within the UK app market. These guidelines suggest practical limits such as allocating no more than 1% of income to gambling, restricting gambling to a maximum of four days per month, and limiting participation to no more than two gambling activities monthly.
A 2023 GambleAware report indicates that as many as 4.5 million people in Great Britain wish to reduce or quit gambling, with a vast majority (93%) preferring to do so without professional treatment. The GambleAware Support Tool offers a valuable informal support option for this significant population segment.
