Study Divulges Fascinating Insights On Use Of Problem Gambling Support

An independent study has revealed that people in the UK who suffer from gambling-related harms will achieve better outcomes when using a combination of support methods rather than relying on a single approach.

Data and consulting company Kantar recently conducted an evaluation of the TalkBanStop (TBS) partnership between GamCare, Gamban and Gamstop, drawing on several sources to carry out its research.

This included an online qualitative session, a survey canvassing the opinions of 1,200 adults, and operational monitoring of the partnership.

Value of a multi-layered approach

The triple-lock proposition can’t be understated. Players who were most concerned about their gambling habits used a mix of emotional support, self-exclusion and blocking tools. Of those who embraced the multi-layered model, 68% said using more than one approach made reducing gambling “much easier”.

In addition, 54% of those interviewed strongly agreed that using practical tools alongside human support helped change their behaviour. More pertinently, having practical tools to hand were important in reducing the chances of impulse-led relapses, although the evaluation showed people entered the layered pathway at differing points.

Younger users, for example, were more likely to start with tech-based protections before engaging with emotional support. The majority though started with a National Gambling Helpline conversation before moving to self-exclusion and blocking tools.

GamCare CEO Victoria Corbishley said:

“This evaluation provides clear evidence that a layered approach to gambling harm, combining emotional support, blocking tools and formal self-exclusion, produces meaningfully stronger outcomes than any single intervention. When people can access all three layers of protection, barriers to relapse become significantly harder to overcome.”

Awareness growing despite weak points evidenced

It’s clear from the study that recognition of the TBS campaign is growing. Kantar noted that between December 2020 and March 2026, reported awareness increased for Gamban (28% to 36%), Gamstop (29% to 39%), and GamCare’s treatment service (27% to 35%).

That said, the main weak point identified was that greater awareness of TBS didn’t lead to greater understanding among bettors. Rather, the framework was misinterpreted, where participants described TBS through a single component (Gamban or Gamstop). This presented a barrier to realising the full value offered by the multi-layered approach.

As such, the qualitative feedback indicated that conversion is not uniform; some respondents admitted they needed more clarity about how the measures dovetail. The evidence suggested that helpline-led signposting, for example, would drive “substantial” intake and minimise the chances of drop-off.

Setting out the roadmap

Ahead of the World Cup, GamCare commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey on gambling levels. This highlighted that 32% of adults between the ages of 18 and 34, who had previously bet during the World Cup, would find it hard to avoid placing a wager when a big sporting event is staged.

As far as Kantar’s study is concerned, a series of recommendations has been outlined to extend the meaningfulness of gambling support. For example, Kantar suggested strengthening the joined-up onboarding process would preserve choice across various entry points. The intended outcome would improve understanding of the layered offer and reduce drop-off between steps.

Also, it has been purported that increased clarity of the partnership offer would enable a more proactive follow-up. Converting awareness into understanding here could result in a higher completion journey and offer better relapse prevention support.

Either way, the layered model is seen as the idealistic target. If this approach can be underpinned properly moving forward, it could have the desired outcome.