The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), launched in 2023 and commissioned by the leading charity GambleAware, has reported a more than 50% increase in referrals during its second year since it went live.
As of May 2025, the support network has now helped more than 110,000 individuals through a three-tier system specifically designed to address a range of harms related to problem gambling.
The NGSN employs a “region first” approach and relies on local support services to provide timely and accessible care, a strategy that ensures that people seeking help can access the service within two days.
Depending on the severity of the issue, individuals may receive brief interventions (BI), extended brief interventions (EBIs), or more intensive support.
The need for problem gambling assistance and consequently, demand for EBIs has increased exponentially, with the NGSN reporting a 93% year-on-year increase, and with 21,000 people receiving this form of care in the second year alone.
Yet, not all cases can be resolved via early-stage interventions, which is why, in more serious situations, individuals are usually referred for Tier 4 treatment, which in turn involves residential care at a dedicated treatment center.
In addition to its extensive treatment network, the NGSN also runs the National Gambling Helpline (NGH), which receives more than 55,000 calls each year.
It is good to know that both the helpline and treatment services of the NGH are 100% free of charge and are offered with full anonymity.
Anna Hargrave, Deputy Chief Executive of GambleAware, commented:
The second year of the National Gambling Support Network presented an opportunity to take the learnings from year one and focus on how we can best support those affected by gambling harms. We’ve seen an increase in the number of people being supported and importantly, an increase in brief interventions and self-referrals, which means we can support people earlier and reduce the potential for further harm. The expertise within the network is unrivalled and providers play a key role in helping people across the country, whether that be at the start of their journey, or supporting them at the end. We look forward to working with the future commissioners and the NGSN with the integration of the network into the future system to ensure providers can continue offering their crucial services.
