News
GamCare's response to the Qualititative follow-up of the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007
26 June 2009
GamCare, along with other representatives from help and treatment agencies, industry and others concerned about the impacts of problem gambling, are currently working with both NatCen and the Gambling Commission on the development of the next Survey (2010) and we value the thoroughness with which such research is conducted.
We recognise that the sample here was relatively small, particularly with regard to problem gamblers. However, we broadly agree with the findings and recognise accuracy in the profiles. We would like to see separate consideration of some sections in greater depth, with larger samples if possible, and perhaps with the involvement of professional, specialist counsellors, to try to investigate beyond the surface. Our counsellors can find that clients may not be conscious of the underlying motivations for the behaviour until they enter into therapies which facilitate exploration and discovery of these issues, and that this is a significant aspect of understanding problem gambling behaviour. It is really important to have research which informs our understanding of the problem and how best to treat it and prevent it, and vital that researchers work closely with GamCare and other treatment providers so that we can apply their findings in a practical way.