GambleAware is looking to improve the availability of gambling-related support with various interactive maps throughout the UK.
The map will show how the demand for such services differs throughout the country, along with where awareness for them is at its highest.
GambleAware has urged local authorities to use the maps in conjunction with other data, to ensure that they get a well-rounded overview of demands.
“These new interactive maps can be used to identify shortfalls”
GambleAware encouraged authorities in areas where demand was higher to promote National Gambling Treatment Service offerings where they were available.
With that being said, the charity pointed to the fact that these maps alone will not necessarily paint an overall picture. So, municipalities have been urged to use any local data they may also have to help them out.
Commenting on the interactive maps, Research, Information and Knowledge Director Alison Claire said:
“We want to assist local authorities and services in delivering the best possible treatment and support for gambling harms in their area.
“These new interactive maps can be used to identify shortfalls between treatment and support services and prevalence of gambling participation and harms, which can be used to inform local responses.
“The existing support available through the National Gambling Treatment Service can be used to help address these shortfalls.”
In a news article on its website, GambleAware also said:
“In areas where there is a reportedly higher reported demand for gambling treatment or support, GambleAware encourages local authorities to do more to promote the existing help available through the National Gambling Treatment Service.”
Are more people in the UK looking for gambling treatment?
Maps will, according to GambleAware, be “segmented by local authorities and wards”.
GambleAware used data from the GB Treatment & Support Survey, which was published in March. In the research, 2.4% of adults were classed as ‘problem gamblers’.
This was the second version of the survey, and the percentage was similar to what had been the case in the first. Contrastingly, though, more people were found to be looking for help in the second survey compared to the first.
