National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms

Actions map

The National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms was launched in April 2019 and ran until April 2022. The content and actions in these pages refer to programmes of activity to reduce gambling harms during that time.

last updated
13 March 2023

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Indicated: Early identification of gambling harms at more front-line touchpoints

Extension to the delivery of the Gambling Support Service England and Wales (CitA Eng & Wales, GA)

Evaluation of Gambling Harm Help (Cit A) England and Wales

Prevention and education

In progress

Grass-roots sports programme development (GA)

Prevention and education

In progress

Guidance for the finance sector on working with those vulnerable due to gambling (Personal Finance Research Centre, GA)

Citizens Advice partnership delivery of National Gambling Support Service (commenced Oct 2018) complete (GA)

Publish research into bank transaction analysis to inform identification of harmful gambling (GA, BIT, GC)

Research to inform action

BIT , GA and GC

Developing tools in partnership with Experts by Experience and engaging with local services, this project is designed to improve awareness, provide essential information and training to facilitate clear pathways to treatment and support for people experiencing gambling harms. (GWL, GMCA)

In progress

Publish best practice guide for financial services firms (MMHPI)

Work Safe - training products for industry, with initial focus on construction and finance sectors e.g. HR departments, consultants, trade unions etc. BetKnowMore Partnership with GamCare.

Delivery of a research project which aims to detect and prevent gambling related harms as a cause of tenancy loss by establishing and putting in place early interventions (BCC, UoB)

Research to inform action

In progress

Evaluation of Primary Care Gambling Service (London)

In progress

Publish new research on the particular difficulties people are experiencing with gambling during the current outbreak, to engage financial services firms ahead of the conference (MMHPI)

Research to inform action

Evaluation of Gambling Support Service (Citizens Advice Scotland)

Research to inform action

In progress

Delivery of Gambling Related Financial Harm project to develop cross-sector (gambling, debt advice, finance and support) network to improve understanding of harms, mitigations and best practice (GamCare)

Begin collaborative research project to develop a methodology to detect harmful gambling behaviours and how problem gambling (i.e. vulnerability) can be detected during digital journeys based on customer behaviour. (City, University of London, LAB Group)

Research to inform action

In progress

Begin delivery of 'Mindful Resilience' programme to build the understanding, skills and capabilities of health care professionals in primary care networks and mental-health related Third Sector organisations to enable better awareness, screening and sign-posting support for individuals. (YGAM, BKM, Bournemouth Uni)

YGAM , BKM and BU

Scoping of support for the armed forces' response to gambling harms in welfare, public health and primary care (GA)

Research to inform action

E-learning to support emerging competency frameworks (GA)

Prevention and education

Safer Gambling - Digital training programme for customer-facing workers in industry. Partnership with Ygam. (BKM)

Engagement with unions and other large organisations (GA)

In progress

Series of workshops with financial services firms to explore some of the issues raised during the MMHPI conference in more depth, and inform the best practice guide (MMHPI)

Publish a policy paper, drawing the financial services programme to a close, collating the findings and thinking from the programme’s research, workshops and cross-sector conversations to date.

Single customer view pilot phase begins (BGC)

University student gambling harms reduction project working with universities from across Greater Manchester to improve awareness of and prevent gambling harms within the university population. (GMCA)

In progress

Launch of the Scottish Gambling Support Service to run to 2022 (CitA Scotland, GA)

Review of bank card blocking tools published (Personal Finance Research Centre, GA)

Front-line training programs for employees in the gambling industry to better identify and intervene with customers at risk

Prevention and education

In progress

Money and Mental Health Policy Institute virtual conference for financial services professionals, sharing the latest evidence and best practice in preventing gambling harms (MMHPI)

Roll out of gambling employee safer gambling policy framework and guidance across the industry (BGC)

Indicated: Front-line brief interventions and interaction by gambling staff

Subject to analysis of the consultation and call for evidence, issue a formal consultation on proposals for specific customer interaction requirements for online gambling (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Develop further guidance and identify best practice on the markers of gambling related harm and the use of behavioural analytics to identify potentially harmful gambling (BGC)

Implementation of additional guidance for customer interaction by operators (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Publish report on trialling an information repository for good practice sharing on customer interaction research and data (GREO)

Research to inform action

Launch of 'Phase Red' training programme and L4 suicide first aid qualification for gambling business staff (BKM, Nat Centre for Suicide Prevention)

Completion of guidance, training materials methods and resources to support gambling operators' staff when interacting with customers expressing suicidal thoughts (GamCare, Samaritans)

Not started

Issue formal consultation and call for evidence on strengthening requirements and guidance for customer interaction in online gambling, particularly on affordability (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Front-line training programs using lived experience to improve quality and effectiveness of interactions with those at risk or experiencing harm (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Delivery of second phase of 'Phase Red' training programme and L4 suicide first aid qualification for gambling business staff (BKM, Nat Centre for Suicide Prevention)

Continuation of second phase of 'Phase Red' training programme and L4 suicide first aid qualification for gambling business staff (BKM, Nat Centre for Suicide Prevention)

Completion of second phase of 'Phase Red' training programme and L4 suicide first aid qualification for gambling business staff (BKM, Nat Centre for Suicide Prevention)

Safer Gambling Week (IGRG)

Regulation and oversight

Progress towards the public health approach

Building capacity and momentum for the whole system approach to reduce gambling harms in Glasgow City to be informed by the voice of lived experience - first engagement session in July (the ALLIANCE, ScotPHN, people with lived experience)

HSCA/ALLIANCE and ScotPHN

A programme to implement and embed a sustainable, multi-component and collaborative public health approach across Yorkshire and the Humber region to tackle gambling related harms, including gambling related debt, with a focus on education and prevention and access to support and treatment (ADPH, Y&H)

In progress

Commission 'What works: Early Intervention" service design framework (GA)

Not started

Embedding the voice of lived experience in the whole system approach to reducing gambling harms in City of Glasgow, Equalities, Engagement and Experience Working Group inaugural meeting (the ALLIANCE, ScotPHN)

HSCA/ALLIANCE and ScotPHN

Evidence review of prevention and education programmes - launch document hub (GREO)

Research to inform action

Interim report and draft case study publication of current and previous examples of councils tackling gambling harms through scrutiny (Centre for Governance and Scrutiny)

Publish evidence review on prevention of gambling harms (PHE)

Research to inform action

Engage with the Medical Research Council to discuss their work in trialling preventative public health approaches and potential collaboration (GC)

Round table to consider the data available and required at a national level to inform a strategy to mitigate the impact of gambling harms with a particular focus on the City of Glasgow, and to support the future data needs for Scotland. (PHS)

Initiate evaluation into what works in prevention and early intervention (GA)

In progress

Facilitate a strategic policy roundtable to discuss common themes emanating from the research project and recommend national and local actions and publish a national learning resource based on the learning from this project. (Centre for Governance and Scrutiny)

In progress

Publish evidence review of prevention and education programmes (GREO)

Research to inform action

Glasgow City Council's Gambling Summit: Tackling Gambling Harms in the New Normal (Public Health Scotland)

Development of strategic and operational groups to support gambling harm reduction, engaging partners from the wider system to explore actions that can be taken to prevent gambling harms in Greater Manchester (Greater Manchester Combined Authority)

Initiate evidence review of prevention and education programmes (GREO)

Research to inform action

Begin programme to share the findings of the evidence review into interventions for preventing or reducing gambling harm (NIHR)

Research to inform action

National Gambling Treatment Service Stigma and Gambling Harms Campaign (GambleAware)

Prevention and education

In progress

Selective: Education programmes for priority groups

Continuation of Private Sector Gambling Awareness Programme. (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Scottish Gambling Education Hub conference (FastForward, GA)

Launch of Armed Forces Gambling Awareness Programme: EPIC is seeking to engage with the Armed Forces to deliver their gambling awareness model to service personnel. (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Completion of the EFL Year 3 Programme which aims to raise awareness of gambling harm through accounts of lived experience (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Year 1 of State School Education programme concludes with fully evaluated report (EPIC)

Complete delivery of ProGRAM-A peer delivery prevention pilot programme for secondary schools in Scotland (University of Edinburgh)

Research to inform action

Commencement of Year 2 of State School Education Programme which aims to raise awareness of gambling harm through accounts of lived experience (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Completion of the EFL Year 2 Programme which aims to raise awareness of gambling harm through accounts of lived experience (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Completion of the EFL Year 1 Programme which aims to raise awareness of gambling harm through accounts of lived experience (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Conduct ProGRAM-A pilot delivery (PReventing Gambling RelAted harM in Adolescents) a peer delivered, social network and school based intervention to raise awareness of gambling related harm among young people (University of Edinburgh)

Research to inform action

Launch of University based Gambling Awareness Programme: EPIC will engage with Universities to deliver their gambling awareness model to those students most likely to be at risk of gambling harms. (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Not started

Launch of National Education Programme for children and young people, running to December 2023: awareness, workforce development, parents families and wider networks (YGAM, GamCare)

Ongoing delivery of the Counter-Striker Professional Players Association (CSPPA) Gambling Awareness Programme (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Deliver Youth Outreach education programme in Wales (ARA)

Ongoing delivery of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) Gambling Awareness Programme (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Develop, deliver & evaluate an evidence-led prevention programme for the BAME community (YGAM, RedCard, TalkGen, ClearView Research)

RC , GEN and CV

In progress

Commencement of the EFL Year 4 Programme in the 21/22 season

Prevention and education

Launch of Support App: This resource has been developed to support the awareness sessions by providing helpful and useful information on Gambling and Gaming, as well as signposting to support services. (EPIC)

Treatment and support

Women's services research project. Primary and secondary research on service experiences and needs of women experiencing gambling harms (BetKnowMore)

Prevention and education

In progress

Issue formal consultation on codifying voluntary standards and guidance for high value customers (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Pitching In Gambling Awareness Programme for the Trident Leagues, which make-up levels seven and eight of the English football league pyramid, to raise awareness through personal Lived Experience and will raise awareness of sports betting integrity and the support available. (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Delivery of State School Gambling Harm Awareness Programme (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

PSHE curriculum in England to include gambling components (DfE, PHSEA)

Prevention and education

Piloting a new approach to help those recovering from gambling related harms, this project aims to build resilience, prevent relapse and provide support to restart their lives via a three-stage education programme. (Epic Restart Foundation)

Treatment and support

Delivery of a pilot national safer gambling awareness and education programme in Wales specifically targeting, but not limited to Welsh language users. (Deal Me Out CIC)

In progress

Launch of YGAM Education & Prevention Strategy dedicated resource, with a live table containing updates to progress, planned activity and evaluation framework supporting the National Strategy (YGAM)

Evidence review of effective gambling harm prevention education (PHSE Assoc, GA)

Gambling Education Hubs in England and Wales.

In progress

FastForward project (commenced Nov 2018) to implement youth education programme across Scotland complete (GA)

Prevention and education

Selective: Targeted campaigns and resources for priority groups

Publish literature review to inform independent commission on crime and problem gambling (HL)

Research to inform action

Initiate research on impact of message framing on problem recognition (GA)

Research to inform action

Subject to consultation, bring into effect regulatory changes to ensure compliance with requirements and guidance on high value customers (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Review actions to prevent harm to children and young people (GC)

Publish response to formal consultation on codifying voluntary standards and guidance for high value customers (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Secondary analysis of data on women and gambling (GA)

Research to inform action

Building on ‘Gambling: the Young BAME Perspective’; publish evaluation of resources (and development of specific resources) for practitioners working with young and vulnerable young people from BAME communities around gambling & gaming (YGAM, Clearview)

Commission research on sentencers’ understanding and treatment of problem gamblers (HL)

Research to inform action

Further to publishing research, work with partners to review evidence and identify effective actions around the impact of advertising on children and vulnerable people (GC, ASA)

Regulation and oversight

Covid- 19 and the South Asian Community (BCT, ARA, GREO)

BCT , ARA and GREO

In progress

Evidence sessions with parliamentarians to inform independent commission on crime and problem gambling (HL)

Research to inform action

Preliminary findings from research prioritising veterans (the UK Veterans’ Health & Gambling Study or VEGAS) to examine gambling attitudes and behaviour, mental health and healthcare utilisation in armed forces veterans and non-veterans (HCRW, Swansea University)

Research to inform action

Commission research on race, ethnicity and gambling (GA)

Research to inform action

Commission research into what works in engagement with young people to prevent current and future gambling harms (GA)

Research to inform action

In progress

Commission research on gender and gambling (GA)

Research to inform action

Project completion of 'Know Your Mind' workforce wellbeing programme (BKM, BBW Mind, Playtech)

Scoping study on gambling, race and ethnicity (GA)

Research to inform action

Commission research on lived experience of prisoners (HL)

Research to inform action

Women and gambling: developing a gendered approach to deliver a prevention campaign (GA)

Research to inform action

In progress

Universal: Improved upfront protections and tools

Rapid evidence assessment on credit card gambling (GREO)

Interim report on the evaluation of ban on credit cards for online gambling (GC)

Publish report on trialling remote interventions into risky play - commitment devices (BIT, GA)

Research to inform action

Commence full evaluation of the ban on credit cards for online, to be determined by timing of stabilisation of consumer gambling behaviour (GC)

Publish priority actions and feedback following call for evidence on player protections on category B machines (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Publish report on trialling remote interventions into risky play - impact of changing anchoring prompts when setting deposit limits (BIT, GA)

Set up working group to take forward player protections linked to land-based games design (GC, BACTA)

Publish progress report on industry challenges (GC)

Theory of change for evaluation of restrictions on credit card gambling (GC)

BGC to develop a Code of Conduct to make safer gambling tools more visible and accessible to help customers stay in control and working in collaboration with GamCare to enable signposts to support for the customer and pathways to treatment more visible and consistently accessible (BGC)

In progress

Initiate third-party commissioning of credit card ban evaluation (GREO)

Interim report on research into Patterns of Play phase 1 published (GA, NatCen, GC)

Research to inform action

Ban on credit cards for online gambling comes into effect (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Delivery of Gambling Harm Help programme by Citizens Advice England & Wales

In progress

Publish first draft code of conduct on sports sponsorship (BGC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Delivery of Gambling Support Service (Citizens Advice Scotland)

Prevention and education

In progress

Open tender for evaluation of the credit card ban (GREO)

Stakeholder working group set up to develop sports sponsorship code of conduct (BGC)

Retail trials aligning player protection tools across multiple outlets, including messaging, session breaks and limit setting (BGC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Bring into effect second tranche of regulatory changes in response to consultation on safer online game design and banning reverse withdrawals (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Bring into effect first tranche of regulatory changes in response to consultation on safer online game design and banning reverse withdrawals (GC)

Regulation and oversight

A one year pilot project to support the creation of a Gambling Policy and Research Unit which aims to reduce gambling related harms using behavioural insights and collaborating with stakeholders in the gambling industry as well as those indirectly connected to gambling. (BIT)

In progress

Issue formal consultation on safer online game design and banning reverse withdrawals (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Universal: Safer gambling messaging, campaigns and resources for all

Safer Gambling (sports betting) campaign: new campaign with behaviour change "tap-out for time-out" (GA)

Prevention and education

Relaunch of BeGambleAware.org website - universal prevention messaging and targeted signposting (GA)

Prevention and education

Publish report on trialing remote interventions into risky play - anchoring (BIT, GA)

Research to inform action

Launch of Parent Hub, giving information to parents on gaming and gambling (YGAM)

Prevention and education

Publish findings from the third monitoring sweep in a year-long project to identify and tackle age-restricted ads appearing in children’s media (ASA)

Regulation and oversight

Consultation with operators to improve online safer gambling messaging and tools (EPIC)

Prevention and education

In progress

Publish BetRegret campaign synthesis report (GA, LSBU)

Publish findings from the fourth monitoring sweep in a year-long project to identify and tackle age-restricted ads appearing in children’s media (ASA)

Regulation and oversight

Complete and publish evaluation of the Scottish Gambling Education Hub (GA/IFF)

Review of delivery options for 'Know Your Mind' workforce wellbeing programme to expand online digital content and map out next phase for delivery (BetKnowMore, Brent Wanndsworth and Westminster Mind)

Publish evaluation report on the 'whistle to whistle' ban on sports betting advertising (BGC)

Industry Code for the Display of Safer Gambling Information (GamCare)

Gambling Harms Awareness and Support Training (GambleAware)

Prevention and education

In progress

Publish response to formal consultation on safer online game design and banning reverse withdrawals (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Commence evaluation of the Scottish Gambling Education Hub (GA/IFF)

Published findings from the second online monitoring sweep to identify and tackle age-restricted ads appearing in children’s media (ASA)

Regulation and oversight

Issue consultation on changes to gambling advertising standards to prevent harm to children and vulnerable people (ASA, CAP)

Regulation and oversight

Publish report outlining principles for safer gambling messaging (RR) and results from trials conducted as part of the project (BIT).

Complete evaluation of the Safer Gambling Campaign (GA/IpsosMORI)

In progress

Continue to develop website to support Safer Gambling Standard and visibility of scores and ratings to enable consumers to identify which operators are accredited, and test consumer reaction to this information (GamCare)

Prevention and education

Roll out of new AdTech industry standards and guidance (BGC/GC)

Published findings from the first monitoring sweep in a year-long project to identify and tackle age-restricted ads appearing in children’s media (ASA)

Regulation and oversight

Survey amongst lived experience communities on preferred language and usefulness of tools

Prevention and education

Interim report on the evaluation of the Scottish Gambling Education Hub (GA/IFF)

Launch of Gambling Support Materials for anyone concerned about theirs or someone else's gambling and gaming (EPIC)

Prevention and education

Report into safer gambling messaging published (GC/Revealing Reality)

Research to inform action

New AdTech commitments and industry standards codified in Industry Code for SR Advertising and LCCP (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Publish research on impact of message framing on problem recognition (GA)

Research to inform action

In progress

Consumer-led tools and schemes

Launch of nation-wide partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP. Gamban blocking software provision via Gamcare via the National Gambling Helpline and treatment services. GAMSTOP and merchant code blocking will also be cross promoted as part of the scheme. (GamCare)

Treatment and support

Publish phase 1 report on evaluation of self exclusion schemes and MOSES (GC)

Publish outcomes of call for evidence on gambling website blocking software (GC)

Regulation and oversight

Effective referral pathways

Project design phase for Treatment Pathway collaboration project with Leeds and York NHS Partnership Trust, NHS England, City Council public health team, primary care team to develop clear care pathways for those experiencing gambling related harm. (GwL)

In progress

Second burst of campaign promoting public and professional awareness of the National Gambling Treatment Service (GA)

Treatment and support

Primary care models (GambleAware)

In progress

Dissemination of bi-lingual (Welsh/English) poster signposting to gambling support services, via local health boards (PHW)

Treatment and support

Development of a gambling toolkit to support TUC Union Officers and Reps covering Wales-specific issues around tackling gambling harms via the workplace (ARA)

Completion of horizon scanning preliminary phase of screening and development of care pathways for custody suites in 5 police forces in England, with potential to extend to police forces in Wales and Scotland. (BCT)

Extension of pilot phase of screening and development of care pathways for custody suites in 5 police forces in England (Beacon Counselling Trust)