RGSB British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 Statement

16 February 2011

We very much welcome the publication of findings from the 2010 British Gambling Prevalence Survey, and look forward to the opportunity to assess the data in detail. The Survey's findings will be of great value in contributing to our thinking regarding our research, education and treatment (RET) priorities on which we advise the Gambling Commission and liaise with the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF).

Naturally we noted the increase in problem gamblers, and will need to consider the implications of this in the coming weeks. We look forward to reviewing findings relating to those at risk of harm, as the nature of the transition between risk and harm is an area that is important to us in refining our thinking in relation to both treatment and preventative/educational work. In these respects we are particularly interested in the Survey's classification of gamblers in terms of the high or low proportion of time and of spend they exhibit.

The Survey's significant amount of information on the demographics and characteristics of those who have problems or are at risk of harm reinforces the appropriateness and timeliness of RGF's plans to target its prevention and treatment work and collaborate closely with health professionals and other front-line services. This means the industry will need to meet agreed fundraising targets.

The Gambling Commission has suggested that it is unlikely that the BGPS will continue in its current format. RGSB will be supporting the Commission in investigating alternative approaches to research, including the uncoupling of gambling prevalence research from investigations into problem gambling harm and risk.

This process will require the selection of appropriate methodologies to support particular topics under investigation. In particular, qualitative longitudinal approaches will assist in developing a better understanding of the causes of problem gambling, which the BGPS, representing a 'point-in-time'-based approach, cannot effectively do.

Read RGSB's press release here.