GamCare Survey Finds Support for Sponsorship Bans

The gambling charity GamCare has released the results of a survey conducted in response to the UK government’s consultation on the review of the 2005 Gambling Act. The survey found that users supported proposals for a ban on gambling operators sponsoring football shirts and on VIP betting schemes.

A total of 343 people took part in the survey, and 83% of them supported the ban on football shirt sponsorship while 80% supported a ban on operators sponsoring sports events. 84% of respondents want to see further restrictions on advertising to children and young people and 89% want to see a access to gambling taken away from children entirely.

More than half of those who took part in the survey have received support for gambling problems and 64% of them thought that there should be more resources available to problem gamblers and their families.

The recent pandemic has only increased common risk factors including isolation, boredom and money worries. Young men under 35 make up the majority of those who seek help via our helpline. We want to encourage anyone who is worried about themselves or a loved one to contact us – we can offer expert advice and arrange for them to get the support they need.

Anna HemmingsGamCare Chief Executive

The survey also found support for more investment in research, education and treatment into problem gambling and that the support should reflect the needs of young adults, women, and members of BAME communities. Furthermore, 84% of the respondents said that they believe that gambling companies should cover the cost of additional research, education and treatment.

Hemmings added that she believes the review of the 2005 Gambling Act is coming at a very important time with more people seeking help with online gambling following the long lockdown in the UK. She said that she wants to bring gambling to the “forefront of addiction issues” and to ensure that there are “sustainable funds to meet the needs of those affected.”

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