UK charity GambleAware is calling on those suffering from gambling harms to “open up” after new research pointed to the benefits of talking about the issue.

The research, which found two in three adults suffering from problem gambling have never spoken about it, follows Safer Gambling Week across the UK and the rest of Europe, when stakeholders from across the industry came together to promote responsible gaming.

Two in five of adults who have not spoken about their problem gambling cited stigma as their reason, GambleAware added.

However, the charity added that its research found 76 per cent of people felt better after speaking to someone.

Zoë Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said it is “critical” that people are aware of the “wide range of support services available and that they feel safe to come forward.”

“Anyone can be impacted by gambling harms, but the first step is to open up and have that first conversation, ideally as early as possible,” she added.

UK gambling minister Stuart Andrew said the country’s white paper on gambling regulation reform “outlines a host of new measures we’re implementing to protect those most at risk.”

He said: “A key element of our plans is the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling companies to raise sufficient, sustainable and trusted funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.

“Stigma is the biggest barrier preventing people from seeking help and I welcome GambleAware’s vital campaign which is raising awareness of the issue and helping people get the support they need.”