Key findings

• Many people in Great Britain express a desire to reduce or quit gambling, especially those experiencing higher levels of gambling problems. Factors influencing this desire include personal and financial impacts, as well as mental and emotional health concerns.

• Stigma, lack of awareness, and cultural insensitivity prevent people, especially those from marginalised groups, from seeking formal gambling support. Instead, individuals may prefer informal, anonymous methods of help, such as self-help tools or support from friends and family.

• Digital tools are effective at reaching individuals who may otherwise be unable or unwilling to access formal treatment, especially younger people. They provide accessible, non-judgmental, and flexible support.

• GambleAware has developed a smartphone app designed to support individuals in reducing or quitting gambling. The app targets younger, digitally literate adults and provides a range of self-help tools, educational content, and a referral pathway to formal support for those experiencing higher levels of gambling problems.

• Research highlights the growing need for self-directed tools to help individuals reduce their risk of gambling-related harm. These tools offer privacy, flexibility, and accessibility, making them a suitable alternative or complement to formal treatment services.