Rising Gambling Harms in the UK: A Deep Dive into Family Impacts and Trends

12 September 2025

Gambling Harms Are Hitting UK Families Harder Than Ever

A new study shows gambling problems in the UK are rising fast, hurting not just those who gamble but their loved ones too. Let’s dive into this together, using fresh data to see the full picture.

What the Latest Study Reveals

You might ask why this matters now. The GambleAware Annual Treatment and Support Survey from 2024, run by YouGov, talked to about 18,000 adults online and did deeper interviews with some who gamble. It found more people seek help for gambling issues—30% in 2024, up from 17% in 2020. The Problem Gambling Severity Index, or PGSI—a tool that scores gambling risk from 0 to 27—shows 16% of adults have some level of problem (score 1 or more), compared to 13% last year.

This growth touches families deeply. About 8.1% of adults, or 4.3 million people in Great Britain, count as “affected others”—folks hurt by someone else’s gambling. That’s higher than 7% in 2023. Kids feel it too: around 2 million live with an adult who has severe problems (PGSI 8+), and up to 5.8 million might face money stress or home troubles from it.

When I think about this, it reminds me of how money worries from any habit can strain a household, like overspending on other things. This info helps you spot signs early if someone close is struggling.

In short, the study points to a bigger crisis, with more seeking help but harms spreading wider.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Numbers can feel overwhelming at first, but let’s go step by step. The survey uses PGSI to group risks: low (1-2), moderate (3-7), and problem (8+). All groups saw rises since 2023.

Here’s a table with key stats from the study:

Category	2024 Percentage	2023 Percentage	Change	Estimated Adults Affected
Any gambling problem (PGSI 1+)	16%	13%	+3%	About 8.5 million
Low risk (PGSI 1-2)	Not specified	Not specified	Up	Not specified
Moderate risk (PGSI 3-7)	Not specified	Not specified	Up	Not specified
Problem gambling (PGSI 8+)	Not specified	Not specified	Up	About 1.6 million (implied)
Affected others	8.1%	7.0%	+1.1%	4.3 million
Children in problem gambling homes	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	2 million
Children possibly affected	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Up to 5.8 million

These come from reliable spots like SBC News and GambleAware reports. Note, some estimates use UK adult population data around 53 million for Great Britain. This table helps you compare years quickly, showing the upward trend.

Overall, the data underlines a steady climb in risks, useful for tracking progress over time.

How Families Bear the Brunt

Have you ever wondered why gambling hits families so hard? It’s like a ripple in a pond—starts with one person but spreads out. The study says 75% of affected others see damaged ties with the gambler. Also, 69% deal with depression, anxiety, or anger, and 50% face money hits directly.

Real-life voices make it clear. One woman, 47, shared how losing cash made her stop cold turkey: “Losing the money a couple of times in a row. I just said enough is enough.” A man, 34, wanted to cut back for family time: “To enjoy family time more, and be more present, and stop the arguments.”

Broader data backs this. A government review notes almost half of folks affected by a partner’s gambling feel severe negative effects. In low-income homes, it’s worse—men aged 18-44 and those earning under £9,500 face higher risks.

Other impacts include:

Financial strain: 77% with severe problems cut essentials like food or energy, versus 49% without issues.
Emotional toll: Higher suicide risks linked to gambling disorders.
Kids’ exposure: 26% of young people see family gamble, with 8% noting home arguments.

From sources like GOV.UK and Money and Pensions Service, these show patterns. For more, check out https://www.gambleaware.org/our-research/understanding-gambling-harms/.

This section shows real harms, helping you understand and maybe support affected families.

Key point: Families suffer emotionally and financially, often hidden until it builds up.

Linking to Bigger Economic Pressures

Next, consider the cost-of-living crisis. It amps up harms—people with high PGSI scores cut basics more often. Yet, 44% say gambling improved their money situation short-term, while 23% saw it worsen.

This ties to UK trends. Gambling market data to March 2025 shows steady activity, but harms rise with economic stress. A NatCen report notes harms affect resources, relationships, and health, not just gamblers but their circles.

Veterans’ studies from 2025 highlight complex impacts like isolation. In young people, 20% play arcade games, 11% bet with family—early exposure risks.

These connections help you see how everyday pressures fuel the issue.

In essence, economic woes make gambling a risky escape, worsening family strains.

What Experts Suggest

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, calls for action: “Urgent preventative action is needed. This must include tougher regulation of gambling advertising.” She wants health warnings on ads, controls on digital marketing, and bans in sports venues to shield kids.

The study pushes for better support access. Since help-seeking doubled, building on that could help more.

Other ideas from sources:

Early education on risks.
Support for affected others, like counseling.
Stricter rules on ads targeting youth.

This advice, from GambleAware and Gambling Commission, gives practical steps.

To sum up, focus on prevention and regulation to curb the rise.

Looking Ahead

With harms up, the outlook calls for change. If trends hold, affected others could grow beyond 4.3 million. But more seeking help is a good sign—shows awareness.

Analysis: Compared to 2020, the jump ties to online growth and crises. Young men in low-income groups need targeted help. For deeper stats, see Gambling Commission’s site at https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-and-research.

This knowledge equips you to advocate or seek help if needed.

Final Thoughts

We’ve explored the study’s findings, data, and family impacts, drawing from sources like SBC News and GOV.UK. It paints a clear need for action to protect families. Use this to stay informed and help where you can.