CASINO
lawmakers to shape what technical changes are needed from Industry. Much of our traffic at Gambling Therapy is regarding dispute resolution which can be resolved by multilingual sites (we offer the ability to speak in over 160 languages) and clearer routes to sorting problems. So enhanced and consistent communication is essential in a global market with companies taking ownership of clients gambling online many thousands of miles away. Continual training and professional development of frontline staff to deliver excellence in support and signposting (something that we are actively promoting) is something that needs to be considered - the benchmarks of quality we need to get consistency in. After what we have gone through with Covid and related mental health issues, then we have to realise that it is increasingly complex dealing with the severity of issues being presented. At GT this happens in different languages, and further emphasises the need for more resources, more training, more effective signposting and triaging for people who desperately need help.
Looking ahead, however, it feels there is a huge tidal wave of a challenge around mental health and its impact on society heading our way. Our work at GMA with severely addicted gamblers very much focuses on helping improve people’s mental health and outlook through giving them the skills to cope with life's challenges, which are severely acute for addicted gamblers, their friends and family. This is an area we believe is key ensuring severe gambling addiction is tackled in a holistic, therapeutic way as a matter of public health provision. And, there may be things in the wider regulatory environment that can impact on that where we'll
review carefully the ‘expert opinion’ submitted to the review. SBC: From a consumer standpoint, what visible changes will the review of the Gambling Act bring in terms of bonuses, incentives and challenging disputes? MH: Again, it would be important to see what evidence emerges on this and ultimately it is a matter for the
THIS REVIEW OFFERS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PROGRESS THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON PROBLEM GAMBLING FURTHER
SBC: How is GMA supporting the government in its evidence collection ahead of the review? MH: We are particularly looking to inform and influence an enhanced public health approach, by making the case for an expansion of resources to fund more residential treatment capacity. We've already set out our stall for 2021 by announcing that we will set up a woman's residential treatment centre this coming year. There was a lot of media interest in that story, but we realise that this step forward is only the tip of the iceberg. Our plans for 2021 and further into the future have growing our capacity and the quality of treatment very much to the fore. We also recognised that the impact of the Covid pandemic will be with us for years to come, even with the hope of the vaccine. So, we will be arguing for a joined-up public health approach to gambling addiction that allows more people to get treatment – and for them to get the right treatment at the right time. We are embracing innovative change and we
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