Poker chip sculpture exposes hidden toll of gambling harm on kids

A striking new installation at Westfield London is turning heads — and sparking vital conversations.

GambleAware, the UK’s leading gambling harm charity, has unveiled an 85,000 poker chip sculpture, with each chip representing a child aged 11–17 currently suffering from gambling-related harm.

Developed with Lucky Generals and Creative Giants, the installation highlights how gambling isn’t just an adult issue. It’s part of GambleAware’s ongoing Stigma campaign, aiming to break the silence around gambling harm and its often unseen impact on young people.

Recent findings add weight to the cause: 67% of Brits think there’s stigma around gambling harm, while nearly a third spotted their first gambling ad before turning 17.

With 78% of the public backing tighter ad restrictions, GambleAware is calling for urgent regulatory action to better protect the most vulnerable — and keep the conversation going.

Alexia Clifford, chief marketing officer at GambleAware said, “Our new installation is a powerful visual reminder that gambling harm can affect absolutely anyone – including children.With nearly one in three people saying they recall seeing their first gambling advert before the age of 17, it is clear that more needs to be done to reduce children’s exposure to gambling advertising.”

Shelley Smoler, CCO at Lucky Generals, said, “Poker chips belong in casinos. Children don’t. But gambling harm doesn’t always play by the rules. These 85,000 chips tell a difficult story, one of children aged 11-17 living with gambling harm in Britain today, but they also start an essential conversation. This installation makes that invisible harm impossible to ignore.”

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