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<p>The most reliable source of problem gambling rates is data collected from the Health
Surveys for England and Scotland, and the Problem Gambling Survey Wales. This is collected
annually, and we therefore do not hold data on the effect of Christmas on under-age
or problem gambling.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The most recent report estimated the number
of adult problem gamblers in Great Britain as approximately 340,000, 0.7% of the adult
population. Headline rates of problem gambling has remained relatively stable at under
1% for many years.</p><p> </p><p>GambleAware, an independent charity, commissions
treatment services, including the GamCare National Gambling Helpline and counselling
services and specialist treatment delivered by the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic
and the Gordon Moody Association.</p><p> </p><p>The National Gambling Helpline and
Netline are open all year round from 8 am to midnight, including all bank holidays.
GamCare reports that numbers of calls and contacts are generally low during the festive
period, with an increase in the first two weeks of January, in line with experience
in other types of support services.</p><p> </p><p>The Review of Gambling Machines
and Social Responsibility Measures, published in May, set out measures to prevent
and reduce harm from gambling, including strengthening existing protections across
gaming machines, online gambling and gambling advertising. It also set out initiatives
to improve for treatment and support for those who experience harm, including expanding
access to existing services, strengthening the voluntary system for funding and building
evidence of what treatment is most effective.</p>
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