Gambling in general, specifically problem gambling, has been one of the most discussed and debated topics in Britain for the past couple of years. With the rise of online gambling, the officials saw no choice but to introduce various new rules and regulations. These novelties aim to keep the players safe and prevent gambling-related harm or abuse.
However, several organisations exist to provide information and treatment to players facing these issues. A couple of months ago, we informed about GambleAware’s launch of the new counsel, implemented to offer advice from lived experiences. GamCare has also been doing something similar and now requires a new trustee.
GamCare is looking for a new trustee
The gambling industry has been facing a volatile period, full of new regulations and severe fines for providers and operators. However, GamCare continues with its work and ongoing support and treatment for players that require it.
GamCare requires a new trustee to fill this vacant position and provide the necessary knowledge. Namely, said trustee must have lived experiences related to gambling harm or gambling-related problems. Other preferable qualifications include experience in “public affairs, particularly from within a regulatory background, organisational change and development, or clinical expertise in a related field.”
According to Anna Hemmings, the CEO of GamCare, “This is, therefore, a particularly exciting time to join us as we further expand our reach, influence and services. We have developed an international reputation for our work’s innovative approach and impact. How we use our knowledge, insight and expertise to influence change at all levels remains a key theme for us, and you will be joining an ambitious board focused on achieving meaningful impact for all those affected by gambling harms.”
In addition to the support that GamCare offers to players, it also works closely with operators and helps them implement the best practices to uphold the necessary social responsibility. Because of this, Entain, one of the recently fined operators, could implement GamCare’s Advanced Responsibility and Care programme and fix the failings in question.
GamCare continues with its research
As we already explained, GamCare’s influence and involvement have been quite helpful for players, operators, and the industry. The organisation conducts various research, and one of the more recent ones uncovered some worrying findings.
As it turned out, 38% of problem gamblers in Britain have bought scratchcards for their children, which many consider a potential trigger for other types of gambling. GamCare reached these findings by surveying about 4,000 adults and about 500 teenagers (15-14). Around 12% of the adult participants have stated that they have already bought scratchcards for their kids. On the other hand, 20% would be willing to do so in the future.
Alexa Roseblade, a programme manager at GamCare, has stated, “We regularly hear how exposure at a young age can lead to other forms of gambling in their lives. This is particularly the case if young people experience a big win from an early age, where they might want to chase the feeling of that win again through other forms.”