UK
Gambling Harms Support Delivered by Third Sector Helped Nine Out of 10 Improve Condition – Annual Statistics Reveal
New GambleAware data from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) and the newly commissioned National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) highlight high efficacy and impact.
Nine in 10 people (88%) who completed treatment through the National Gambling Treatment Service – commissioned by the charity GambleAware – saw an improvement in their condition, according to the latest data released.
The National Gambling Treatment Service comprises 10 organisations operating across England, Scotland and Wales. The network provides free and confidential treatment, early intervention and prevention services for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms. Every year, nearly 7000 people access structured support through the network, and over 44,000 calls are answered by the National Gambling Helpline.
Despite considerable demand, waiting times were very short with 1 in 2 (50%) people seen within five days after their referral, and 3 in 4 (75%) seen within just nine days.
Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, said: “Today’s data clearly demonstrates the value of the prevention-focused approach applied through our network. It is a timely reminder of the importance of investing in early treatment – especially as recently reported figures from the Gambling Commission suggest prevalence of harmful gambling may be much larger than previously estimated.”
In April, GambleAware relaunched the treatment service as the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) – and demand for services has already risen. In April-June 2023, there was a 24% year-on-year increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline, and a 46% year-on-year increase in early intervention – including guided, online and in person support – delivered through the Helpline. This is in addition to an 18% rise in demand for structured treatment.
Graham England, CEO at Ara Recovery for All, said: “NGSN services represent the first line of defence in supporting and reaching people before problems with gambling become catastrophic consequences. We are talking about brilliant, dedicated teams making a decisive difference in the lives of thousands of people across Great Britain. The latest data from this network commissioned through GambleAware, highlights just how effective, and desperately needed, those tailored, community-focused, interventions are.”
The figures published by GambleAware highlights the effectiveness of the services provided and the emphasise on early intervention and prevention – but the charity has issued a stark warning that they could collapse under the Government’s current proposals for the implementation of the statutory levy on gambling operators.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “We welcome the government’s forthcoming statutory levy on gambling operators – it is a measure we have long called for to make sure that funding for vital research, treatment and prevention of gambling harms is both long-term and transparent. However, the focus on specialist-led services means right now, hundreds of dedicated third sector support workers are deeply concerned about their future and the future of the communities they serve.
“There is an urgent need for reassurance from Government that these essential services will be protected during and following the transition. We cannot lose the vast years of experience and expertise contained in the National Gambling Support Network and the wider third sector.”
In addition to hampering the third-sector’s ability to deliver vital services, leading experts have also raised concerns that the Government’s proposed new system would increase pressure on the NHS’ finances and waiting lists.
Professor Dame Clare Gerada said: “From my experience running the NHS Primary Care Gambling Service, which is part of the National Gambling Support Network, I have seen first-hand the benefits of being part of a thriving and connected third sector ecosystem. My experience has also made it abundantly clear that whilst the NHS gambling clinics have a place in the system, what we also need is an approach which aims to prevent gambling harms from escalating – before people find themselves at the much more serious point of needing specialist care.
“Gambling harms are a societal, public health issue – not just a medical one. Whilst the specialist sector has a valuable and important role, relying predominantly on this sector is neither financially viable nor logistically feasible.”
Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has bolstered its growing presence within the UK market following a content agreement with the esteemed operator BoyleSports.
Spinomenal’s library of titles will be made available to BoyleSports’ players via Light & Wonder’s OpenGaming™ platform. Games included in the deal from Spinomenal include Majestic King, Majestic Wild Buffalo, and Fairytale Beauties.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “We’re very happy to agree a content deal with such an established brand like BoyleSports. Our wide selection of engaging titles will certainly work well across BoyleSports’ gaming players.”
James Stephenson, Gaming Manager at BoyleSports added: “Our players have a deep understanding of what creates an exceptional gaming experience, and we are confident that Spinomenal’s impressive portfolio will be met with great approval.”
The post Spinomenal bolsters UK presence with BoyleSports partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
AskGamblers launch creative competition for England fans to get their very own UEFA coaching licence & become the ‘unofficial’ England manager
AskGamblers have launched a nationwide search for England’s new official armchair manager, challenging football fans from across the country to finally put their management credentials to the test.
With football fans continually believing that they can do better than the appointed manager, AskGamblers is willing to back one supporter, providing funding for them to become an official UEFA licensed coach, and subsequently the nation’s most qualified armchair manager.
Inspired by findings in the summer that 40% of England fans thought that they could do a better job than former England manager Gareth Southgate, AskGamblers are now providing the nation’s armchair managers a unique opportunity to gain a coaching licence.
Call-out for the nation’s armchair managers: Applications now open
AskGamblers is giving England fans from across the country the chance to put their coaching prowess where their mouth is, providing funding for a supporter to become an official UEFA licensed coach.
One supporter will have their journey to become the country’s most qualified armchair manager financed by AskGamblers, with the nationwide search for England’s new official armchair manager now on!
The selected supporter will be eligible to receive funding to undertake both the FA Introduction to Coaching course and UEFA C licence course, as well as two mandatory courses related to first aid and safeguarding training.
Irena Ducic, Content Editor at AskGamblers, comments:
“Football fans across the country are often regularly critical of managers, with former England boss Gareth Southgate being particularly unpopular with Three Lions supporters.”
“With thousands of supporters continually believing that they could do a better job, we are now willing to financially back the journey of one supporter to become the country’s most qualified armchair manager, funding a UEFA licence.”
“If you think you have what it takes, fill out this form and join the competition as we look for the unofficial armchair manager of England.”
If you think you have what it takes to become England’s most qualified armchair manager, submit your application today!
The post AskGamblers launch creative competition for England fans to get their very own UEFA coaching licence & become the ‘unofficial’ England manager appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
XSOLLA STRENGTHENS GAME DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UK WITH OFFICE HOURS AT RED BULL GAMING SPHERE PARTNERSHIP
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, is excited to announce its role as the Official Supporting Partner (Payment Solutions) for Office Hours at Red Bull Gaming Sphere’s December 11th event. This collaborative event, hosted at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in Shoreditch, London, offers a unique combination of co-working spaces, expert panel discussions, and game showcases to foster new opportunities for developers to grow, learn, and expand their reach in the UK and globally.
“We believe in providing equal access to opportunities for everyone and are committed to supporting efforts to help grow the local game development community in the UK,” said Chris Meredith, SVP EMEA at Xsolla. “Through our advanced payment solutions, we aim to empower developers to bring their creative visions to life.”
The event will transform the Red Bull Gaming Sphere London into an open and inclusive co-working space from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with free attendance for all participants. At 9:00 AM, developers can work on projects, collaborate with peers, and share their games for feedback. As the evening unfolds from 4:30 PM, attendees can network and showcase their games to an audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts and participate in the attendee-voted competition for the ‘Best-in-Show’ award, presented by Xsolla. From 7:15 PM, attendees will be able to participate in an interactive discussion entitled ‘Publishing Power: What developers need to know’: a panel with insights for developers directly from publishers Fireshine Games, Modern Wolf, and Secret Mode.
The post XSOLLA STRENGTHENS GAME DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UK WITH OFFICE HOURS AT RED BULL GAMING SPHERE PARTNERSHIP appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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