New analysis shows up to one million women in Great Britain could be at risk of experiencing harm from gambling, the charity GambleAware has warned, as they launch a new campaign today (31 January) for women to highlight the warning signs of problem gambling and signpost towards support.
Among women experiencing high levels of harm, two in five (39%) may refrain from seeking help or treatment due to perceived stigma, such as feeling embarrassed, or not wanting people to know about their gambling.
The warning comes as new statistics also released today show activity on gambling websites popular with women peaks in the winter months – with total average traffic between December and March up by 29% compared to the rest of the year.
In response, GambleAware has launched its first ever harms prevention campaign specifically aimed at women to engage women around critical warning signs and where to seek support before gambling becomes harmful.
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said:
“We are launching this new gambling harms prevention campaign at a time when there may be up to a million women at risk of gambling harms.
“Our research shows women may not be aware they are starting to experience harm from gambling or, may be worried about reaching out for support due to stigma or shame.
“That’s why our campaign highlights the warning signs to look out for, so we can support women who gamble and prevent them from developing gambling harms.
“Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can visit BeGambleAware.org for free, confidential advice and support, or The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
