People in England’s West Midlands region are up to 25 per cent more likely to be experiencing gambling harm compared to the national average, according to GambleAware research.
The charity’s study found that as many as 168,000 adults in the region – 3.9 per cent – are experiencing problem gambling.
GambleAware said the research feeds into its mission of helping people open up and remove the stigma surrounding gambling harm.
CEO Zoë Osmond said: “It is vital that people impacted, in the West Midlands and across Great Britain, are aware of the wide range of support services available, and that they feel safe to come forward.”
As part of the campaign, GambleAware has erected a billboard aimed at prompting sufferers to open up.
UK government gambling minister Stuart Andrew said: “It's wonderful to witness the ongoing progress of the GambleAware stigma campaign, along with the unveiling of the new billboard in central Birmingham.
“Acknowledging the courage, it takes to initiate conversations about gambling, any efforts to dismantle barriers to addressing gambling harms are truly appreciated."
