New data from the 2024 Treatment and Support Survey released by GambleAware shows that 18-24 year olds who gamble are twice as likely to want to reduce or quit gambling compared to the average among all people who gamble (29% compared to 15%), with the charity responding with the launch of a new gambling harm prevention app, called the “GambleAware Support Tool”.

The app, which offers free and anonymous support to those looking to quit or reduce their gambling, is designed to prevent the escalation of gambling harm, and allows users to set their personal goals. Since the launch of the app, 48% of users aged 18-24 have indicated their motivation to change their gambling habits is to “save money,” while 27% say they want to “feel happier”.

Previous research from GambleAware’s 2023 Audience Segmentation report, produced as part of the discovery phase for the app development, has shown that there are up to 4.5 million people in Great Britain wanting to reduce or quit gambling, 93% of whom – over 4.2 million people – want to do so without using a treatment service. This means it is crucial to offer informal “self-help” support to meet people where they are on their journey and help them take action before any harm escalates. Whilst the charity works to reduce the barriers to support, such as stigma, we also wish to help those who still want to reduce or quit gambling on their own.

Each individual’s journey on the app is unique, with the support tool offering a personalised experience for those looking to reduce their gambling.

The app was developed in line with the internationally recognised Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines. These were created by academic gambling experts across the globe, through a multi-faceted project including analysis of data from over 60,000 people from eight different countries.

The LRGG highlight three limits that should be followed if an individual wants to keep gambling, but reduce many of the risks that come with it:

• Gamble no more than 1% of your income

• Gamble on no more than 4 days per month

• Avoid more than 2 types of gambling per month

This is the only app in Great Britain using the LRGGs to suggest limits for users who are looking to reduce their gambling.

Those who download the app can track their activity by inputting the frequency and spend of their gambling, with the aim of informing their chosen journey as to whether they wish to reduce or quit their gambling.

All advice and support is evidence based, while there is also access to resources such as podcasts and educational materials. For those who feel they need further help, there is also clear signposting to formal support options, such as GambleAware’s service finder tool.

Alexia Clifford, Chief Communications Officer for GambleAware, said: “Whether individuals want to reduce, manage or stay gamble-free, the GambleAware Support Tool is here every step of your journey.

“The digital age means we essentially have a casino in our pocket, and we know increased accessibility leads to increased participation and therefore increased risk of harm.

“These harms are a growing public health issue, but early intervention is key, and the GambleAware Support Tool app is designed to give people a timely insight into their gambling, with the aim of supporting their journey to reducing or quitting their activity.”

Catherine Adams, a member of the GambleAware Lived Experience Council, said: “I would be gambling on the computer from six in the evening until six in the morning and I just was not sleeping.

“It’s positive being able to monitor your progress yourself and to see how well you’re doing in reducing or quitting your gambling if you’re goal orientated. To see ‘I’ve done this many days now ‘or ‘I’ve saved this much money, I think it really does give variety of choice in your recovery.”

The GambleAware Support Tool App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android users, and the Apple App store for those using iOS.