  
|
|
Women twice as superstitious as menBreaking a mirror most feared29 August 2007 – for immediate release One in three women are superstitious compared with only one in six men, according to a survey of over 2,000 adults conducted for Gamble Aware, the new responsible gambling website (www.gambleaware.co.uk). More people worry about breaking a mirror than walking under a ladder, and finding a four-leafed clover is favoured for good luck over horseshoes. Seven is the most popular lucky number, with three in second place. But Gamble Aware boss, Malcolm Bruce, says none of these beliefs will help you if you gamble. “We’ve set up www.gambleaware.co.uk to help people separate fact from fiction”, he says. “The website gives the real odds of winning and explains how gambling works – from bingo to betting, gaming machines and online poker. It also shows people where they can get help if their gambling gets out of control.” Bookies and casinos will be able to advertise on TV from 1 September. But new rules mean they’ll need to support responsible gambling. Ads will have to carry the new website address or risk penalties. Minister with responsibility for gambling, Gerry Sutcliffe MP commented: “Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity. But what is a harmless pastime for some can lead to problems for others, and it is essential that people know how to gamble responsibly. We fully support Gamble Aware. Gamblers need to have access to the full facts about gambling, and this website is a good source of sensible information.” The independent website was created by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, working with other charities, the gambling industry, the government and new industry regulator, the Gambling Commission. The new website has a range of interactive features and information to meet gamblers’ needs. Myth-busting facts ensure gamblers really know what they get from a trip to the bookies or casino. There are 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 also feature prominently. Gambling Commission Chairman, Peter Dean said: “Gamble Aware is an important resource, which we hope will help minimise the risk of problem gambling in Britain.” 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 and, more importantly, direct them to the help and counselling services that GamCare provides should they get into difficulty.” Ends Notes to editors 1. For further information or to request an interview contact Ron Finlay on 020 7544 3011, ron.finlay@fishburn-hedges.co.uk 2. The poll was carried out online by YouGov among 2,005 adults between 10 and 13 August 2007. Summary below: full tables of research findings available on request. 3. The Responsibility in Gambling Trust (www.rigt.org.uk) is Britain’s largest funding body for treatment, research and education about problem gambling. In the last five years it has spent £6 million on tackling problem gambling. 4. The Trust is neither for nor against gambling, instead it focuses on preventing and treating the harms caused by problem gambling. It is funded mostly by the gambling industry but is completely independent and has a majority of trustees who come from academia, faith groups, the gambling regulator and parliament. 5. Members of the Gambling Public Awareness Task Force, responsible for the website, are: (Note: all questions asked of 2,005 adults, except where stated, and weighted to be representative of all British adults aged 18 or over.) A superstition is the belief that an event can be affected by certain factors, without there being a rational explanation for this. For example, some people believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky date. People who believe in superstitions are described as ‘superstitious’. Would you personally describe yourself as superstitious, or not superstitious?
Which, if any, of the following superstitions do you personally believe in?
Some people have a number or numbers which they consider to be ‘lucky’. This is a number which they think will bring them more favourable outcomes than other numbers, and which they will therefore choose if possible. For example, they might choose this number when playing bingo. Do you personally have one or more ‘lucky’ numbers?
Which, if any, of the following numbers do you consider to be ‘lucky’ numbers? (Base: 627 adults who have a lucky number)
|