GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline received a record 55,228 calls and online chats from people experiencing gambling harm in 2023-24 – a 25% increase from the previous year – according to the charity’s Annual Report.

In a year marked by uncertainty over the future shape and structure of the gambling harms treatment sector following the previous government’s white paper on gambling reform, the charity continued to prioritise those at-risk of, or currently experiencing, gambling harm.

Of all calls and online chats that were responded to on GamCare’s Helpline in 2023/24, 41,070 (74%) were classed as supportive interventions. This includes supporting people with initial guidance and advice as well as delivering a seamless entry point into structured treatment services, with individuals completing treatment reporting a significant reduction in gambling-related distress and financial harm.

In March 2024, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published an assessment of the gambling treatment system, highlighting that 57% of individuals engaging in treatment were referred by the National Gambling Helpline. This underscores the Helpline’s critical role in connecting people to the support they need. Over 9,100 free treatment sessions were delivered in the year to April 2024, with an average of just 2.1 days’ wait from point of referral.

GamCare’s targeted programmes aimed at young people, women, and the criminal justice system provided training on how to spot the signs of harms and where to signpost into support for 10,344 professionals, and education for 53,324 young people, children and parents. The Women’s Programme, in partnership with organisations such as Refuge, trained 3,813 professionals to recognise and address gambling-related harm among women.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare’s Board, says: “Throughout a challenging year and with heightened demand for our services, GamCare’s staff have got on with the job of preventing harm where possible and treating harm where necessary. While we expect important changes in the gambling harms landscape, we have been determined not to let this uncertainty affect our relentless focus on the people who really matter – those at-risk of or currently experiencing gambling harms.

“I would like to thank and pay tribute to our frontline staff who provide 24/7 support for all those at risk or in distress. I also want to thank GamCare’s senior executive team who have steered GamCare through a period of sustained change, and to my fellow trustees for their guidance, unwavering support and the time each has dedicated to ensuring that the charity stays on course and on mission.

“As we look ahead to how the future of the gambling harms sector is shaped, we are committed to working proactively with the NHS and other partners and commissioners to ensure that people are continually able to receive the right support at the right time.”

The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has joined forces with 8Bit Creatives, India’s leading esports consulting and talent management agency for the WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC25). Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together for the content creation, amplification and reach of the WESC25 and take it to India’s massive youth population.

Organised by ESFI, WESC 2025 is a key initiative supported by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aimed at contributing to the growth of the nation’s burgeoning esports industry & creator economy. This event will be part of one of the Create in India Challenges by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the esteemed World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).

With a roster that includes some of India’s most influential gaming content creators, 8Bit Creatives will leverage the creativity and popularity of its talent to amplify the event’s visibility. Their creators, including Naman Mathur (Mortal), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Raj Varma (Snax), Kaashvi Hiranandani (KaashPlays), and many others, will host and participate in various engaging activities while interacting with fans to enhance the overall reach and excitement surrounding WESC 2025.

“WESC 2025 represents a tremendous leap forward for the Indian esports community. We are delighted to have 8Bit Creatives and their popular gaming creators on board, whose expertise will undoubtedly help amplify the event’s reach and impact. With qualifiers in full swing, we’re eagerly anticipating fierce competition as India’s top athletes strive for a place on the grand stage in February,” noted Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF).

Sharing his thoughts, Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives said, “WAVES 2025 marks a groundbreaking chapter in India’s esports journey, and we’re thrilled to be the talent partners driving this initiative. As one of India’s leading talent hubs in gaming and esports, 8bit Creatives brings unparalleled energy and scale to WAVES 2025. This is more than a partnership; it’s a platform to showcase the potential of esports as a viable and celebrated career path while underscoring the government’s support for our rapidly growing gaming and creator economy. With our creators and innovative content strategies, we’re here to make history together!.”

WESC 2025 will feature competitive tournaments in popular titles such as eFootball and World Cricket Championship (WCC), played across four phases and Grand Finals. Notably, the winner of the eFootball tournament (Phase 1), MrTomBoy, won the bronze medal at the Asian Esports Games, Bangkok, showcasing WESC’s talent potential. Committed to inclusivity, the event is gender-inclusive, with qualifiers for eFootball (Phase 2) and WCC3 (Phase 1) already underway. Upcoming registrations include eFootball Phase 3 (Dec 18 – Jan 1) and WCC3 Phase 2 (Dec 15 – Dec 26).

8Bit Creatives’ esports and content division, S8UL, made history by winning the ‘Content Group of the Year’ award for the third consecutive time at the Esports Awards 2024, remaining the only Indian organization to achieve any Esports Award. Earlier this year, founders Animesh Agarwal, Naman Mathur, and creator Payal Dhare also joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a roundtable discussion on India’s gaming industry, showcasing 8Bit’s pivotal role in advancing esports and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for gaming content creators.