GambleAware Rebranding and Double Funding News
April 27, 2023 Tony ChristopherResponsible Gaming features high on the list of priorities for most top ranking online casinos. It is their duty to provide training for all employees to help them recognise the signs of problem gambling and have processes and procedures in place to help players when they realise they have a problem.
All the best online casinos in the UK provide information and offer help in respect of problem gambling. There are many organisations that can help if you think you’ve got a problem with gambling. For players in the UK, one of the biggest and most influential is GambleAware. It has recently announced some news about the GambleAware rebranding of the National Gambling Treatment Service and the size of its funding.
What is GambleAware?
GambleAware is one of the leading charities that works to help keep people safe from gambling harm. It is responsible for providing support and treatment services across Great Britain for people suffering with problem gambling. In addition, it has a part to play in UK gambling law.
It has commissioned nationwide integrated prevention services and works in partnership with expert agencies and organisations such as the NHS. There are three areas of activity:
- Commissioning the National Gambling Support Network
- Practical support to local services and public health campaigns
- Research and evaluation to improve prevention of problem gambling
GambleAware’s key objectives are:
- Increase awareness and understanding of gambling harms
- Increase access to services and reduce gambling harm inequalities
- Better equip professionals to respond to gambling harms
- Improve coherence, accessibility, diversity, and effectiveness of the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN)
The National Gambling Support Network
Formerly known as the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), the newly named National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) consists of a group of organisations in Great Britain who provide free, confidential, and personalised support for anyone who is experiencing problems from gambling. This support is also available for those affected by someone else’s gambling.
GambleAware rebranding was necessary because of a need to meet the changing and growing needs of people at risk of gambling harm in Great Britain.
A Treatment and Support Survey in 2021 found that only a small number of people were accessing the available treatment services, even though a wider need had been recognised. An independent review also took place and GambleAware has plans for a new service delivery model.
GambleAware Doubles Funding
As well as the GambleAware rebranding of the NGTS, it was also announced that GambleAware would double funding for the newly-named service. The additional funding will allow additional elements to be added to the service, including a regional approach and increased focus on early intervention and enhanced referral routes.
GambleAware has also recently announced that it is going to make a £350,000 grant to support research on gambling stigmatisation. The funding will be used by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the University of Wolverhampton. Together they will look at how stigma and discrimination impact those affected by gambling harms. Research plays an important part in responsible gaming and helps with the development of social responsibility initiatives by the gambling industry.
Other Changes in the Pipeline
The news that GambleAware is doubling funding is not the only change that’s taking place. The additional funds and the GambleAware rebranding of the NGTS will have far reaching effects on the availability of support.
The focus of the newly formed NGSN will be early intervention and a regional-first approach. Central to the design of the new service will be the involvement of lived experience. It will be integral to the network in the future.
The new service will also include improved referral routes, thereby allowing local providers to direct individuals to a treatment service that matches their needs and is most appropriate.
It is hoped that by meeting the growing and changing needs of those at risk of gambling harms, it will be possible to prevent escalation of harms and relieve pressure on the NHS.
The transformation of available services will promote a more holistic, joined up service, create conditions and incentives across the sector, and deliver high-quality, cost-effective outcomes for users of the service.
FAQ
At Best Online Casino, we are here to answer all your questions. Responsible Gambling and GambleAware are hot topics in the industry today. If you’d like to know more, here are some of the most common questions relating to this blog topic.
1️⃣ What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible Gambling is a set of social responsibility initiatives by the gambling industry. It’s all about using gambling for fun and entertainment. The Responsible Gambling Council is an organisation dedicated to reducing gambling risks and harms through innovation, awareness, and improved safeguards.
2️⃣ What is self-exclusion?
If players think they need support they can ask a gambling provider to exclude them from gambling for a length of time. It might be for six months, or twelve months, but could be as long as five years for online gambling. Players can use this option if they think they’re spending too much time or money gambling. All gambling providers in the UK must provide players with the option to self-exclude.
3️⃣ What is the NGSN?
NGSN stands for the National Gambling Support Network which is made up of several organisations in Great Britain who offer free and confidential personalised support for people experiencing problem gambling. It also offers support for those affected by someone else’s gambling. The service is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is available online, by telephone, or face-to-face.
4️⃣ Who funds GambleAware?
GambleAware is funded by voluntary donations, mainly from the gambling industry. The top four gambling companies to make donations in the 2019/20 financial year were Entain, William Hill, Flutter, and Bet365. Every year, GambleAware publishes a list of donations. For the 12 months ending 31 March 2021, total voluntary donations were £19 million.
5️⃣ What are Gambling Harms?
Gambling harms is a term for the negative effects of gambling. They include debt, loss of employment, crime, breakdown of relationships, and deterioration of physical and mental health. Gambling at its worst could contribute to loss of life through suicide. Fortunately, there are organisations like GambleAware which offer lots of help.
