NHS reveals UK problem gambling levels

Summary

The Health Survey for England 2024 (HSE 2024), published by NHS England, estimates that about 5% of adults in England show at-risk or problem gambling behaviours, while under 1% are classified as problem gamblers. The HSE uses the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure low-, moderate- and problem-level gambling harm and covers England only (Scotland and Wales excluded).

The data show regional and gender variations: Yorkshire and Humber recorded the highest share at 7%, the East Midlands the lowest at 3%, and men display substantially higher exposure (6–11%) compared with women. NHS framing places gambling harm alongside other public-health issues such as obesity, chronic pain and harmful alcohol use. NHS England also took full control of the statutory Gambling Harms Levy in April 2025 and is working with OHID and UKRI to allocate levy funding across prevention, treatment and research via a new national framework in 2026.

The HSE figures are higher in aggregate harm exposure than some other datasets (for example, the UK Gambling Commission’s 2024 survey, which reports 2.7% problem gambling), reflecting methodological differences rather than a direct contradiction.

Key Points

HSE 2024 finds ~5% of adults in England at risk of gambling harm; under 1% are classed as problem gamblers (PGSI).
Survey covers England only; Scotland and Wales are excluded from these figures.
Regional variation is modest (most regions 5–6%), with Yorkshire & Humber at 7% and East Midlands at 3%.
Men show notably higher rates of early/moderate harm (roughly 6–11%), with northern and coastal areas more affected.
NHS assumed full control of the Gambling Harms Levy in April 2025 and will split funding between prevention, clinical services and independent research with OHID and UKRI.
HSE places gambling harm within a public-health framework alongside smoking, alcohol misuse, obesity and chronic pain.
Differences with UKGC figures (UKGC: 2.7% problem gamblers) are driven by methodology and differing policy/research aims.

Context and relevance

This is important because NHS control of the Gambling Harms Levy and the public-health framing shift what has often been treated as a regulatory or industry issue into mainstream health policy. That affects funding priorities, how services for early detection and treatment will be organised, and likely shapes future prevention strategies across communities — especially in higher-risk male and regional cohorts.

Why should I read this?

Quick version: the NHS has moved gambling harm into the health system and now controls the levy — so money, treatment and prevention plans will be decided with health priorities front and centre. If you work in policy, treatment, compliance, or industry strategy, this changes the game — literally. Read it to know who will set funding and what signals to expect next.

Author style

Punchy: the piece flags a tangible policy shift (levy control + public-health framing) that matters beyond headline prevalence numbers. The details on regional and gender patterns plus the levy governance changes are worth a closer look if you want to understand where funding and prevention efforts will go next.