Changes in Help-Seeking for Gambling Support in the UK pre and post Covid-19

Session Title

Session 3-1-C: Harm Prevention and The State of Play

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

25-5-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

25-5-2023 10:30 AM

Disciplines

Community Psychology | Counseling Psychology | International Public Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The UK National Gambling Helpline provided by GamCare has seen year on year increases in those contacting the helpline and web-chat for advice and support for many years. In 2019 we began to see some changes in the way that people contacted the Helpline (moving from calls to chats), changes in Gambling activity reported (increase in online gambling) and changes in the level of interventions being accessed (reduction in traditional counsellor to more digital support via blocking software and online self-help). This was accelerated by the pandemic. Although the numbers requesting structured support is starting to return to pre covid levels, the nature of the way people want to access services has changed. This leads us to explore the nature of the interventions being offered and the increase in those accepting blocking software and online interventions, over traditional formal talking therapies. In conclusion, services are needing to adapt quickly to both understand and respond to the changing environment of help seeking for gambling harms post covid

Keywords

UK, Gambling, Treatment, Support, Helplines, Addiction

Author Bios

Mike has worked in the gambling field for over 12 years. Starting out in industry as a croupier in a central-London casino, and moving into treatment services as a helpline adviser at GamCare, he has spent many years working in frontline roles and is familiar with gambling issues and the needs of our service users. Mike now uses his knowledge of gambling related harm to inform the development of GamCare’s projects and products – developing activities and services to reach those at risk of harm, and working with industry to drive a more responsible business culture and make gambling products and environments safer for everyone

Funding Sources

GambleAware

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May 25th, 9:00 AM May 25th, 10:30 AM

Changes in Help-Seeking for Gambling Support in the UK pre and post Covid-19

The UK National Gambling Helpline provided by GamCare has seen year on year increases in those contacting the helpline and web-chat for advice and support for many years. In 2019 we began to see some changes in the way that people contacted the Helpline (moving from calls to chats), changes in Gambling activity reported (increase in online gambling) and changes in the level of interventions being accessed (reduction in traditional counsellor to more digital support via blocking software and online self-help). This was accelerated by the pandemic. Although the numbers requesting structured support is starting to return to pre covid levels, the nature of the way people want to access services has changed. This leads us to explore the nature of the interventions being offered and the increase in those accepting blocking software and online interventions, over traditional formal talking therapies. In conclusion, services are needing to adapt quickly to both understand and respond to the changing environment of help seeking for gambling harms post covid