Gamcare is taking all possible steps to provide information, advice, and support to all young people struggling with gambling-related harms

GamCare has flagged concerns regarding gambling related harms that underage people were experiencing especially during the lockdown. According to their study, seven in ten of the 353 people calling Gamcare operated National Gambling Helpline were underage. These calls came from the victims themselves. Only 20% of these individuals were calling on behalf of a family or friend member expressing concerns over addictive behaviors.

All young individuals reaching out for help experienced gambling related harms without being sure of the risks that might emerge from this form of entertainment.

CEO of GamCare, Anna Hemmings, said: “Since lockdown, we’ve not only heard stories from our helpline that reveal young people are increasingly experiencing more parental gambling but there is also rising concern for potential harms to young people who gamble themselves.

“It’s been an extremely difficult year for young people, with many using the internet and social media not only to be in touch with friends, but also as a form of escapism.

‘This makes it harder for parents to tell when their child might be displaying unhealthy behaviours, as often the symptoms, such as being withdrawn, can be confused with other issues and challenges teenagers face in this difficult period of their lives.’

Gamcare believes that responsible gaming should be a topic covered in school and are doing their best to inform the younger audience of the gambling related harms that can come with one experiencing core issues related to gambling.

Gamcare has therefore initiated the ‘BigDeal website which is dedicated to provide information, advice, and support to all young people struggling with gambling-related harms. The group also released a ‘Big Deal’ video featuring two renowned faces: boxer and YouTuber Viddal Riley and neuroscientist Dr.Jack Lewis. Throughout this video they both discuss and highlight the impact of gambling on a young person’s brain development.

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