UK-based gambling support charity GamCare has launched a new project encouraging collaborative work in the gambling space to address gambling related financial harm
The cross-sector approach aims to ensure the effectiveness of work that focuses on problem gambling, including consumer acknowledgement of advice and support from organisations in these fields.
Megan Pengelly, programme manager, GamCare, said: “Each year, around two thirds of the people we speak to on the National Gambling HelpLine disclose some form of debt and related financial difficulties because of their own gambling, or because of a loved one’s gambling.
“There is increasing recognition from different sectors that many of their customers struggle with gambling-related financial harms and that collectively we must consider better advice and consumer protections to reduce the financial harms that gambling may cause.
“GamCare is bringing together champions from across these four sectors to coordinate the development of best practice, and to create a suite of resources and training which will ensure that consumers receive timely advice and support to reduce potential harms.”
It is expected to produce a “range of resources” focused on supporting individuals who have/are experiencing gambling related financial harm.
This includes best practice guidance for organisations in these sectors, training packages and consistent and up to date messaging.
Senior policy and propositions manager at the Money and Pensions Service, Valentine Mulholland, added: “Problem gambling can leave people with chronic and acute personal debt. While money guidance and debt advice can highlight problems the current systems of referring and helping people are not always as effective as they should be.
“I look forward to contributing to this important work to develop better solutions to reduce the long-term damage problem gambling can do to people’s financial health and overall wellbeing.”
The Advisory Panel, which will steer the direction of the activity, includes representatives from: HSBC, NatWest, Santander, Citizens Advice, Playtech, The Remote Gambling Association, the Senet Group, the Money and Pensions Service, and Payplan.
The board will also feature individuals with personal experience of gambling related financial harm.
Ian Ince, Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance at Playtech said: “We are delighted to support and partner with GamCare on this important programme.
“GamCare’s initiative demonstrates the power and importance of cross sector collaboration to deliver consistent, scaleable and impactful programmes that support financial wellbeing and advance the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.”
