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New website will help tackle problem gambling in Britain31 July 2007 – for immediate release A new website – www.gambleaware.co.uk – is being set up to educate gamblers about how to manage their gambling, about where to get help for problem gambling, and about the new consumer protection measures being introduced later this year. The site is being developed by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, Britain’s largest funder of treatment, research and education about responsible gambling. Its launch will be timed to coincide with the Gambling Act, which comes into force on 1 September. The new Gamble Aware website is the first step in a major national public awareness programme designed to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling. The programme is being directed by an independent Task Force, led by RIGT and including representatives from the Gambling Commission, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, GamCare, academics, and the gambling industry. Malcolm Bruce, Director of RIGT, said: “Gamble Aware will be a one-stop shop for information and advice about gambling. It will help consumers manage their gambling, understand how gambling works, learn about new player protection measures being brought in under the Gambling Act, and find out where to get treatment and advice if they feel their gambling is getting out of hand. “We aim to provide impartial and authoritative advice, free from any commercial agenda, on all forms of gambling, from bingo to betting, gaming machines and online poker. “We want www.gambleaware.co.uk to be a popular online destination for anyone interested or concerned about gambling. We will promote the site across all media, and we hope to see gambling operators supporting us by signposting customers to the site on websites and across all advertising.” Welcoming the announcement of the new site, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, said: “Many people enjoy a flutter and the good news is that ninety nine per cent of people never develop a problem. But for a small minority gambling does become a problem. That's why I fully support the new Gamble Aware campaign, and urge all operators and stakeholders to link to and promote the site wherever possible. People need to have access to the full facts about gambling so they can make responsible choices. This website is a good, independent source of sensible information.” Geoffrey Godbold, Chief Executive of GamCare, Britain’s largest problem gambling treatment provider, said: “We warmly welcome this initiative. Providing information on how to gamble responsibly is a vital ingredient in ensuring that problems do not develop. This site will help people keep their gambling under control.” The new website will have a range of interactive features and information designed to meet gamblers’ needs. Features will include myth-busting facts to ensure gamblers really know what they get from a trip to the bookies or casino, players’ tips and advice on how to gamble sensibly, and tools to help responsible gambling, including time management and budgeting. Information, links and advice for those concerned about gambling moving beyond their control will also feature prominently. Further services using the ‘Gamble Aware’ brand are also planned to support those who may be at risk from problem gambling. |