Our mission

We work with cutting edge partners to deliver new research & insights on the state of play in the uk gambling & gaming sector.

Who we are

Action Against Gambling Harms is a registered UK charity supporting and encouraging research in the gambling and gaming sector, highlighting the potential harms associated with gambling. The technologies used by the gambling industry are increasingly infiltrating our lives. The effects of this can be felt not only by the gamblers themselves but their families and friends, the community and wider society as a whole (Muggleton et al, 2021).

“THERE IS A REAL LACK OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON GAMBLING HARMS IN THE UK”

The Policy Institute, Kings College London

A good deal of research has demonstrated how gambling is an increasingly normalised behaviour. It is also increasingly profitable, with UK based gambling companies making a gross gambling yield of £14.2bn between April 2019 and Mar 2020 (Gambling Commission, 2020). But despite the fact that it is becoming more widespread, more accepted and more profitable, the harms that emanate from it remain complex and often hidden.

Research into the harms associated with gambling is still scarce compared with other addictions, and receives less funding from government and the research councils. (Kings College London, 2021)

Our key objective is to promote the need for further research so there is better understanding of both the harms that are being experienced as well as possible interventions that may pre-empt or mitigate these harms.

Action Against Gambling Harms has identified 4 key research areas:

1

Affordability and financial harms

The financial harm on players, their families, the community and wider society.

2

Gambling on sport

The relationship between sport, problem gambling and evolving technologies.

3

Gambling by children

The participation by young people and harms experienced by young gamblers.

4

Gambling by women

The harms experienced by the increasing number of women gamblers specifically.

1

Affordability and financial harms

The financial harm on players, their families, the community and wider society.

2

Gambling on sport

The relationship between sport, problem gambling and evolving technologies.

3

Gambling by children

The participation by young people and harms experienced by young gamblers.

4

Gambling by women

The harms experienced by the increasing number of women gamblers specifically.

Find out more about our governance via the uk charity commission

Find out more

Our partners

We work with respected research bodies to deliver new research and insights in the UK gambling and gaming sector. We are actively looking for research and funding partners. So get in touch if you are looking to conduct a research project within the gambling and gaming sector in the UK.

Get in touch

We work with respected research bodies to deliver new research and insights in the UK gambling and gaming sector. We are actively looking for research and funding partners. So get in touch if you are looking to conduct a research project within the gambling and gaming sector in the UK.

Get in touch

Are you looking for support with gambling related problems?


NHS

Help, advice and resources for problem gamblers and related issues.

Website

National centre for behavioural addictions

The National Problem Gambling Clinic, the National centre for Gaming Disorders.

Website

Gamcare

Free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.

Website

National gambling helpline

Over the phone and face-to-face counselling

0808 8020 133

Contact us

If you would like to get in touch with us, please fill in this form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.