GambleAware research has highlighted Scotland as having fewer people accessing support or treatment for gambling harms in comparison to averages across Great Britain.
The data comes from recently published maps by the gambling charity, detailing the level of gambling harm at a local authority and parliamentary constituency level across Britain.
Using the Problem Gambling Severity Index and produced by PoliMapper, the maps also show the demand and usage of support and treatment services, showing which regions have higher levels of people experiencing gambling harm.
GambleAware’s maps show that Scotland has lower levels of people accessing treatment, support or advice for gambling harms at 16.7 per cent of those who gamble with any level of problems (PGSI 1+ on the Problem Gambling Severity Index scale).
This figure is lower than the average across Britain of 20.9 per cent, while the proportion of this group in Scotland seeking help was also lower than the average across Britain – 15.5 per cent in comparison to 19.4 per cent. Out of the three countries measured in Britain, Scotland was ranked the lowest.
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, commented: “Gambling harms can affect anyone, and we are concerned to see that fewer people are accessing treatment and support in Scotland.
“As the leading gambling harms charity in Great Britain, we’ve published these maps and data to provide information to help address treatment and support needs in local communities.”
From those in Scotland who experience gambling problems, GambleAware noted that the most common reason why they seek support is because of financial impact at 29.2 per cent, whereas the least likely reason was ‘severe negative impacts such as the risk of losing their job or home’ at 12.6 per cent.
The five areas in Scotland with the highest estimated rates of gambling problems were Glasgow City, Dundee City, North Lanarkshire, Aberdeen City and the City of Edinburgh.
GambleAware noted that 60.5 per cent of people in Scotland had participated in any form of gambling in 2022, slightly higher than the average across Britain of 60.3 per cent.
The gambling charity also stated that it will be responding to the government’s consultation on a statutory levy and it ‘looks forward to continuing to work with the NHS closely’.
Osmond added: “Some people may not have reached out for help because they are unsure of where to find it, but anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can search GambleAware for free, confidential advice, tools and support. The National Gambling Helpline is also available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We also commission the National Gambling Support Network, which means those experiencing gambling harm can access specialist, tailored treatment and support, quickly and efficiently, wherever they are across Great Britain.”