Survey Sparks App Launch for Youth Support
GambleAware has revealed that young adults are nearly twice as likely to want to cut down or quit gambling compared to the general population. According to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by the charity, 29% of 18–24-year-olds expressed a desire to reduce or stop gambling—nearly double the national average of 15%.
In response, GambleAware launched the GambleAware Support Tool in April 2025, a mobile app designed to provide informal support. The tool promotes self-management and is especially tailored for younger users.
Why Young Gamblers Want to Quit
Since the app’s release, new data from GambleAware shows that 48% of young users cited “saving money” as their main motivation to gamble less. Meanwhile, 27% said they wanted to “feel happier” by cutting back.
Alexia Clifford, GambleAware’s Chief Communications Officer, noted:
“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.”
Helping Without Formal Treatment
The GambleAware Support Tool also introduces users to Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines—the only app in Great Britain to do so. These include practical tips like:
- Gamble no more than 1% of your income
- Gamble on no more than four days per month
- Avoid more than two types of gambling per month
These informal guidelines help users manage behavior without entering formal treatment programs. According to GambleAware’s 2023 Audience Segmentation report, around 4.5 million people in Great Britain want to reduce or quit gambling—93% of whom prefer doing so without professional help.
Addressing At-Risk Groups
GambleAware also found that neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, face a higher risk of gambling-related harm than the general population. This adds urgency to the charity’s push for more inclusive, accessible tools.
The charity sees informal, tech-enabled solutions as a crucial way to support the growing number of people who want to take control of their gambling habits—on their own terms.
