Overview
A Lancet editorial (2017) highlighted problem gambling as a public health concern.This short guide provides links to selected gambling research organisations from around the world, gambling statistics, key UK reports and treatment and help resources.
Europe
The European Association for the Study of Gambling is a forum for the systematic study, discussion and dissemination of knowledge about all matters relating to the study of gambling in Europe. It provides links to recommended reports, and also awards research funding to young researchers based in one of the European countries and active in the gambling studies field.
Ireland Gambling in the Republic of Ireland. Results from the 2019–20 National Drug and Alcohol Survey- this briefing presents the findings from the 2019–20 National Drug and Alcohol Survey (NDAS) on the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in the general population in Ireland.
Canada
Alberta Gambling Research Institute supports and promotes gambling research in the Province of Alberta and is a consortium of the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. It provides links to useful resources, prevalance (national and international), data and statistics, journals, and produces a newsletter. It hosts an online database containing a comprehensive compilation of Canadian gambling statistics (1970-2021) with an instructional video ‘How to find Canadian Gambling Statistics’
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) is an independent knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) organization that aims to eliminate harm from gambling. Has a large digital collection of knowledge on gambling harm and problem gambling.
New Zealand
New Zealand Gambling Commission is an independent statutory decision-making body established under the Gambling Act 2003.
The Gambling and Addictions Research Centre was established in 2003 within the National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research. It conducts research into the understanding of how gambling and addictions affect society, including the incidence and prevalence of problem gambling. Links are provided to research projects and reports
Australia
Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) set up in 2013 undertakes research and publishes statistics, evidence-based publications and resources to increase the capacity and capability of policy-makers, researchers, and professionals working in the gambling sector. Research interests include
- harm caused by gambling to problem gamblers;
- families and communities of problem gamblers, and those at risk of experiencing harm;
- measures that may be undertaken to reduce harm; and
- statistics and data on recreational gambling.
Australian Gambling Statistics – statistics related to gambling in Australia, covering the entire range of legalised Australian gambling products. It has been produced since 1984, and is compiled annually by the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office in co-operation with all Australian state and territory governments.
USA
The National Councill on Problem Gambling provides advice and feedback on social concerns related to problems arising from gambling.
National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling (NAADGS) supports the development of services that will reduce the impact of problem gambling. It hosts a collection of documents and helpful links to online sources for the national problem gambling communit.
UK
Policy responsibility for gambling is held by the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and is regulated by the Gambling Commission. It was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain in partnership with licensing authorities. It also regulates the National Lottery under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993.Resources available include data and reports on participation in gambling and related problems. Their Statistics and Research hub contains statistics and research published by the Commission on participation in gambling and related problems, market data etc.. Industry statistics are published twice a year providing the latest information on each industry sector regulated, including online gambling services. The role of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board is to provide independent advice to the Gambling Commission and DCMS on strategy and priorities for research education and treatment.
All Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm: created to provide a forum for discussion and further investigation into the wider impact of gambling related harm in our communities. About the APPG
House of Lords Gambling Industry Committee -The Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry was appointed on 13 June 2019 to consider the social and economic impact of the gambling industry.
NatCen for Social Research – publishes reports about gambling behaviour in Great Britain including prevalence of gambling participation, at-risk gambling and problem gambling and explores characteristics associated with gambling participation, at-risk gambling, and problem gamblin.
Scotland: the Scottish Public Health Observatory website provides data on the health of the Scottish population across a wide range of topics and has a dedicated section on gambling providing links to key points, data, evidence, and policy context.
Wales : The Welsh Assembly Cabinet statement 2020: Tackling gambling-related harm in Wales
Northern Ireland announce review of Gambling Laws
Gambling treatment and help
The National Problem Gambling Clinic in London opened in 2008. It provides a service for people affected by problem gambling including family members and friends of those with the gambling problem.
NHS gambling addiction service for North of England offers treatment and support to the thousands of adults struggling with gambling addiction across the North of England.
GamCare provides information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. They operate the National Gambling Helpline which offers free and confidential support, information and advice on problem gambling either via telephone or online)
BigDeal is a website for young people to find information and support related to gambling, either for themselves or someone they care about.
Beat the Odds a service for people with gambling problems, which is available to people throughout Wales.
The Gordon Moody Association a registered charity providing residential support and treatment for people who are severely addicted to gambling
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship for people to share their experiences of gambling strength with aim of helping each other to with their common problem.
Christine Goodair
February 2022
The opinions expressed in this commentary reflect the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official positions of the Society for the Study of Addiction.