SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Gambling harm and addiction prevention charity GamCare has launched its ‘Gamble Aware Week’ in the UK cities’ of Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester.
Aiming to raise public awareness of problem gambling conditions GamCare will be offering free drop-in information and advice sessions for anyone concerned about gambling.
GamCare detailed that the sessions would be ‘friendly and informal’, focusing on giving the public the chance to speak on personal situations in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, the sessions aim to inform the public of national support services available concerning problem gambling.
Throughout the week, betting shops across the UK will also be taken over with posters highlighting the message ‘Never bet more than you can afford to lose’, with clear advice:
- Set a limit and stick to it
- Take regular breaks
- Speak to a member of staff if you need advice.
Gamble Aware Week, coordinated by the Association of British Bookmakers, will also include the launch of new mandatory alerts for electronic gaming machines, which appear on screens after someone has spent £150 or played for 20 minutes. This compares to the £250 and 30 minute alerts previously in place.
Dirk Hansen, CEO at Gamcare, says: “Gamble Aware Week provides a unique platform to reinforce the issue of responsible gambling in major UK cities, and to raise awareness of the help and support available to anyone concerned about their gambling or that of someone close to them.”
