News
Local Authorities to provide vital help for problem gamblers
29 March 2006
GamCare, the national charity for promoting responsibility in gambling, has signed agreements with local authorities to provide helpline and face to face counselling services for problem gamblers. It was announced today that Middlesbrough Council has signed a contract with GamCare to provide these services and was the first local authority to recognise the need to do so. Southend and Leicester are amongst others also signing up and it is hoped that local authorities throughout the UK will join in by supporting this important initiative.
The Government has made it clear that it believes regulation and education - not prohibition - are the keys to responsible gambling and it does not wish to reduce the enjoyment that gambling brings to the large majority of responsible people who treat it as an entertainment. GamCare’s initiative is supported by the Gambling Commission, and GamCare believes strongly that greater awareness can reduce the risk of problem gambling developing. This is of increasing concern in the light of the possibility of new casinos, for which councils are bidding, being sited within the community.
Richard Caborn, Sports Minister, says “It is vital that help and advice on responsible gambling is readily available for anybody who needs it, wherever they live. By developing its work with local authorities throughout the country GamCare is providing a valuable local service for local people. Knowing this local support is available should encourage more problem gamblers to seek the help and advice they need.”
Gambling Commission Chief Executive, Jenny Williams, said: “Tackling problem gambling is one of the Gambling Commission’s key objectives under the Gambling Act 2005. While the majority of gamblers enjoy this pastime harmlessly, a minority develop a gambling problem. We therefore welcome these new services which will help problem gamblers at a local level in Middlesbrough, Southend and Leicester.”
GamCare Chairman Anthony Jennens says “We are delighted to be involved with Middlesbrough and other councils in this excellent initiative. We recognise that every community already has problem gamblers and there is a need to offer them practical local help now. We very much hope that all councils will have the same attitude and follow those which have already signed up, as soon as possible. This is just the sort of benefit that that the new Gambling Act will bring to local communities.”
For further information please email Geoffrey Godbold, Chief Executive, or call on 0207 378 5203
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