Paul Merson s gambling addiction interview triggers sudden influx in helpline calls
Good Morning Britain’s interview with former Arsenal and England footballer, Paul Merson, about his gambling addiction has reportedly had a big impact on viewers
Good Morning Britain’s interview with former Arsenal and England footballer, Saul Merson, virtually his gaming dependance has reportedly had a freehanded wallop on viewers.
Advisors at the National Gambling Helpline (operated by GamCare) reported a “sudden influx” inward phone calls; ane caller-up said “the question had resonated with him and made him realise that his own gambling was problematic” piece another unity remarked the question had “hit home."
Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, said: “The sudden influx of calls we make received following Paul’s interview highlights how important it is to talk up on issues around gambling, to aid tackle the stigma and at last to boil down gambling-related harm. We live how difficult it canful live for people to talk in public about gambling – their possess or someone else’s – and it is encouraging to assure public figures such as St. Paul amount forrad on Good Morning Britain and to ascertain the positive degree influence it tin make on others seeking help.
“We urge anyone who is struggling with play to striking us on the National Gambling Helpline. We need you to cognize we are hither for you; we realise and we put up help. If you consider someone you cognise needs support, delight acquire in touch.”
According to GamCare reports, over 41,000 calls were made to the National Gambling Helpline inwards 2020/21; this represents a 9% growth compared to the previous year. Out of all the people reaching out, 43% contacted the helpline via online chats, which represents an increase from the 37% that reached out using the same method lowest year.
Statistics from GamCare treatment services inwards 2020/21 show up that 77% of the gamblers identified as male; 84% of the people who called manifested concerns nigh someone else’s play were women; 66% of gamblers attending treatments reported having debt issues; and o'er unity inwards 10 gamblers (over 10%) reported alcohol misuse.