New GambleAware Ads Targeting Women Roll Out in the UK

Remember to Keep Gambling Fun and Safe

When it comes to gambling addiction, the majority of those afflicted are men with sports betting and casino games being popular choices, but gambling problems can affect everyone, not just men and GambleAware are aiming to highlight that in a new ad campaign designed specifically for women.

Sat mobile phone in hand, the first-ever gambling harms prevention ad targeting women zooms in on a woman playing slot machines while her family are watching TV. Totally engrossed in spinning those reels, the woman is not only losing track of time but missing opportunities to connect with her family. She keeps on spinning until all of her money is gone. If this sounds familiar, there are things you can do to reduce your play time, reduce the amount you spend and if you wish, to block gambling all together.

How to Stay in Control

• Set deposit limits. This can be a maximum amount you can deposit a day, week or month. Decreasing the amount you can deposit will take effect immediately while increases take 24-hours and require confirmation before the change is made.

• Set session limits. This is the length of time you can play without taking a break.
• Game lock. Control the games you play. Tombola offer players the ability to freeze certain games.
• Stake limit. Reduce the amount you can stake.
• Time out. Take a break from gambling all together by restricting access to the website for a period of 24-hours to 6-months.

There are also options to never play again and there are ways to block gambling transactions too. The PayPal gambling block option was revealed last month.

GambleAware want to highlight the potential dangers of problem gambling in women after a recent study revealed almost one million women in the UK could be at risk from gambling related harms. Popular gambling websites among women were up 29% in the winter period compared to the rest of the year and statistics reveal as many as 39% of women may not get help for feelings of shame or embarrassment. The three key signs to look out for are:

• Losing track of time when playing
• Spending more money than you can afford
• Not telling anyone you gamble

Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said:

“We are launching this new gambling harms prevention campaign at a time when there may be up to a million women at risk of gambling harms. Our research shows women may not be aware they are starting to experience harm from gambling or, may be worried about reaching out for support due to stigma or shame.”

 “That’s why our campaign highlights the warning signs to look out for, so we can support women who gamble and prevent them from developing gambling harms. Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can visit BeGambleAware.orgfor free, confidential advice and support, or The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Source: “Up to One Million Women in Great Britain at Risk of Gambling Harms”. GambleAware. January 28, 2022.