New public health figures in England have revealed that an estimated 1.6 million adults would benefit from specialist-led treatment for gambling harms.

This estimation has been tabled by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) in a report undertaken for the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Treatment required

The report provided a breakdown of treatment needs citing that in a majority, 970,000 adults or 60 percent may require what is described as “Level 2” intensity treatment.

This would involve two to three sessions of motivational interviewing by specialist practitioners.

Deeper care, described as “Level 4” intensity, is required for 243,000 adults which would involve between eight and 14 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) led by psychologists specifically.

Furthermore, intensive treatment is recommended for 40, 000 adults. This would be overseen by a 12-week residential programme with one-to-one therapy and group sessions. 

Regional estimates 

London’s index saw the highest prevalence for those seeking treatment, according to the report the rate of individuals seeking treatment is estimated at 3835 per 100,000.

This is projected to account for 266,707 adults in need of support for gambling harms.

London is closely followed by the North West and the West Midlands with the update noting that demographic variations across England as a significant factor in regional differences.

A particularly specific metric found in the report was that of children living in a household with a gambling adult with figures for this standing at roughly 912,000 children possibly requiring support.

Other types of treatment and support

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and the University of Glasgow used a “Delphi Consensus Survey” on the Open Science Framework.

This would yield the identification of six types of treatment/support services: Brief advice, Extended brief interventions, Psychosocial interventions, Psychologist-led CBT, Intensive residential treatment, and Peer support.

Prevalence rate was estimated based on NHS England’s Health Survey for England, pooling data from 2015, 2016, and 2018, using “multinomial logistic regression.”

SiGMA Eurasia

SiGMA’s world-renowned summits will return in 2024 when SiGMA Eurasia graces the industry’s calendar once again. Dubai will be the host yet again for the much-anticipated conference and exhibition from the 25th – 27th of February. Get your tickets now to ensure you won’t miss out!