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Live online gambling chat session helps young people air their views16 July 2007 – for immediate release Young people across the country were given a chance to discuss their views and experiences of gambling in a live online chat session last week. The session was hosted by TheSite.org, an online forum which aims to be the first place all young adults turn to when they need support and guidance through life. Topics discussed included the best way to approach a friend that you suspect has a gambling problem; whether there is such a thing as professional gambling; the support available to young people if they break free from a gambling problem; the difference between online gambling and gambling of another kind; and who was more likely to gamble, boys or girls. Andrew Poole, Head of Online Services at GamCare, an authority on problem gambling and worldwide promoter of standards to minimise the potential for harm through online gambling, responded to people’s views. The chat session was funded as part of a £20,000 donation by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT) to online charity YouthNet. The charity, which runs TheSite.org, exists to inspire all young people to achieve their ambitions and dreams. YouthNet was founded by broadcaster Martyn Lewis in 1995. Malcolm Bruce, Director of RIGT said: “We need to make sure that young people understand the risks involved in gambling and know how to control the amount of time and money they spend. Our work with YouthNet is helping us spread the message about responsible gambling, and we are very pleased that this live chat session allowed site users a full and frank discussion about the issues.” Andrew Poole added: “Since the internet has become the natural medium of today’s young people, using it to discuss the innate risks of gambling, and gambling online in particular, is a perfect opportunity to speak with young people about such dangers. GamCare has already embraced the internet with the launch of its online helpline, Netline. This is just a natural progression.” The session was held from 7pm on 12 July. A transcript is available at www.TheSite.org/community/thesocial/chat. |