SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
From this month going forward, Slovakia’s national gambling helpline will be managed by the Predná Hora specialist treatment centre.
The center – a former Bulgarian royalty residence nestled in the Slovakian mountains – has been operating as a hospital for addiction and compulsive gambling patients since 1995.
Its activity includes international collaboration, including participation in joint research initiatives with universities and hospitals from Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
Vladimír Stanislav, Director of the Predná Hora center, said: “Our system works with a comprehensive treatment program, with the community and, above all, with enthusiastic and committed staff, who believe that our clients are high-quality and valuable individuals who are able and willing to change their lives.”
Predná Hora will operate the new helpline seven days a week from a free telephone number open between 9am-1am, with the option to connect to an answering machine outside of working hours.
Support will be available not only to direct victims of problem gambling, but also to others who might be affected from someone’s compulsive behaviour, such as family members or friends.
Specialist staff will be able to advise on existing intervention strategies. The centre also includes facilities that can offer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services around problem gambling.
Martin Bohoš, Director General of Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority, commented: “The fact that the operation of the helpline will be provided to the Specialised Psychiatric Treatment Institute, Predná Hora, represents a significant step forward in providing professional advice and professional care in the field of assistance to problem gamblers and their family members.
“Every big step begins with a decision. Seeking help is not a weakness, but a sign of courage and responsibility towards oneself and one’s loved ones.”
