The Take Time to Think campaign, Transparency, Education, and Self-exclusion are all key parts of a safer gambling campaign. But how can they be implemented in the real world? We have a few ideas to help and we also highlight some of the other talking points going on in the industry at the moment. These tips include limiting the amount of money you spend on online gambling, implementing deposit limits, and more. Then, there are the standards body members who ensure the messages in the ads are safer and not misleading.
Take Time To Think Campaign
The UK’s new Take Time To Think campaign for safer gambling is designed to encourage players to think about their actions before engaging in any form of gaming. The campaign builds on the previous When The Fun Stops, Stop campaign, which targeted young male sports bettors. It incorporates best practice in safer gambling to promote the use of responsible gambling tools.
To promote the campaign, the Betting and Gaming Council, which represents more than 90 percent of UK retail betting shops, casinos and bingo operators, has partnered with a number of organisations. These organisations work to raise standards and reduce the number of problem gamblers. The UK Gambling Commission has recently suspended the operating licence of BGO, which was one of the original campaign’s main supporters. The Betting and Gaming Council is responsible for several initiatives, including the Take Time To Think campaign for safer gambling. Members of the Betting and Gaming Council have pledged to promote the tools in all future marketing campaigns.
Self-Exclusion
The Gambling Commission had failed to implement a self-exclusion scheme that was effective enough to effectively deal with problem gambling. There are over 280 UK-licensed online gambling companies, some of which have more than one website. A new scheme was setup in 2018, called GAMSTOP, which replaced separate self-exclusion requests and is now a mandatory requirement for all GB casino licence holders. It functions much better than the previous schemes due to the widespread support it has received from operators. Self-exclusion is a great way to give yourself a break from gambling and evaluate your relationship with it.
There are many ways to self-exclude. You can choose to exclude yourself from multiple gambling companies, like online casinos. You can also use SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion) to opt-out of national exclusion from land-based casinos. Another method involves downloading software to block gambling sites, including online casino websites. Some banks offer gambling-blocking solutions which prevent gambling from taking place on bank accounts, blocking credit cards ( UK casinos no longer accept credit cards ), or blocking banking deposits to casinos. Your internet service provider may also offer to block gambling related websites by adding an adult filter to your internet traffic. Gambling-related also organisations offer counselling and advice.
Transparency
In light of recent misconducts in the gambling industry, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has updated its guidance on fair and transparent gambling practices. It notes that some commission licensees have unfair terms and allow operators undue discretion in decisions affecting customers’ funds. A move towards greater transparency will benefit both consumers and the industry. But how will this change affect the gambling industry? Will it make it safer? There has been much debate on how the UKGC has dealt with the UK casino industry as to if it has helped it or hindered it.
The UKGC is responsible for protecting British players and vulnerable groups from harm in gambling. In suspected cases of illegal gambling, it works with police to prevent any ill effects. Its motto is “Keeping gambling fair for everyone.” UKGC inspectors continuously check and regulate licensed gambling platforms and casinos to ensure that the games are fair and transparent. Since the UKGC is the strictest regulatory body in the industry, players can feel secure playing on a safe, secure platform.
Safer Gambling Education
Children will soon be taught about debt risks and the harms of gambling in secondary schools. The Department for Education introduced new education measures after research revealed a high number of problem gamblers in the UK, including around 55,000 children. From September, secondary schools will be legally required to teach the risks of gambling, so that children can make informed choices. It’s an excellent step in the right direction, and will help prevent young people from becoming a part of the growing problem.
While there are counter-discourses on gambling and its harmful effects, the resources provided by the industry often obscure the debates on gambling policy and the vulnerable. In fact, they often obscure the contributions of not-for-profit groups that advocate for change in gambling policy. However, these groups are founded by those affected by gambling harms and are therefore not directly funded by the gambling industry. In addition to the lack of disclosure, these resources are often not based on rigorous evidence or provide references that will facilitate the debate.
GAMBLING SUPPORT
National Gambling Helpline Freephone:
0800 8020 133
Or visit GamCare for live chat
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