Latest News

Pilot project tackling problem gambling delivers impressive results

Published

6 years ago

January 11, 2018

Malcolm George-Association of British Bookmakers

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A pilot project with betting shop staff in Islington, north London, designed to improve their understanding of gambling-related harm and to raise awareness of support available to customers at risk, is delivering impressive results.

Virtually all members of staff who received training from the project team describe improvements in their ability to recognise what the report describes as “red flags in customer behaviour” and their understanding of gambling-related harm. Staff also report feeling more confident in assisting people with gambling problems.

The project, entitled Don’t Gamble With Health, delivered by BetKnowMore UK and sponsored by GambleAware, is innovative in its approach to harm-minimisation by working with high street betting shop staff. It involved 59 betting shops setting up a customer referral process. Training was provided to 112 shop staff and partner organisations, and 95 customers were referred to the service or approached it independently through information available in betting shops.

Feedback about the project and the service it offers has been overwhelmingly positive. It was funded by a dedicated grant from the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) in addition to the regular funding provided to GambleAware by ABB members.

The project had a second distinct element in providing a support service to customers who are at risk or are problem gamblers. BetKnowMore UK’s report on the project, independently verified, showed that the majority of clients who engaged with the service improved their ability to successfully manage their gambling behaviour. Customers who completed their treatment for problem gambling made particularly impressive progress.

Barriers prevent people seeking help

The team reported that the main reasons preventing people who could benefit from coming forward for help were lack of awareness of support mechanisms, complexity of referral and slow response within some existing services. A common barrier which prevented people seeking help was the negativity and stigma associated with problem gambling. The project focused on addressing these obstacles.

The support service is delivered in tiers. Tiers one and two are described as brief interventions. Typically, they take the form of informal meetings in neutral places such as cafes, or involve phone engagement with people who call the project helpline, usually to share concerns about their own or a loved one’s gambling behaviour.

Tier three offers a more structured support through mentoring and group therapy, while tier four is dedicated to clients with complex and multiple needs and typically involves counselling support.

tackling problem gambling

To help deal with the stigma linked with problem gambling the project presented gambling as a lifestyle choice and health issue similar to, for example, drinking. It emphasised that when people are able to engage in these activities in appropriate, well-managed ways they do not lead to harm and are socially acceptable.

The positive approach is reinforced by the alternatives offered to problem-gambling activity. Consistent with modern theories on behaviour change, this means that in order to sustainably remove or minimise negative behaviour, people need a positive alternative. Within the context of the project this meant helping clients to fill up the time previously occupied by gambling with new activities such as participating in sport or making music.

Contributory negative factors assessed

The holistic nature of the approach is manifested in the team assessing what, alongside gambling, negatively affects their clients’ wellbeing and supports them in addressing that. Examples include loneliness, unemployment or accommodation problems.

Given the evidence about gambling-related harm affecting vulnerable members of society, consideration was given to the extent to which the service reached such customers.

For tier three-four clients for whom information was available:

Five out of 34 were in supported accommodation or at risk of becoming homeless. A similar number lived with friends, not having a home of their own.
Nine out of 26 were not in employment. Five were unemployed and four were in receipt of benefits due to long-term illness.
Sixteen out of 37 had mental health problems, typically anxiety, stress and depression. There were several clients with personality and bipolar disorders.
Ten out of 40 had a history of, or were recovering from, substance and/or alcohol abuse
Four out 37 had a history of breaking the law (linked to gambling or substance abuse).

Malcolm George, chief executive of the ABB, said: “The success of the BetKnowMore project is a huge credit to the hard work of everyone involved, from those providing the counselling service to the betting shop staff who received new intensive training. I’m very encouraged by these findings and, working with the BetKnowMore team, we will now look to upscale this service in 2018.“

Industry News

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Peter Tolan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Strive Gaming, the award-winning real money gaming platform provider for North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Smith as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the gaming industry, Smith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Strive.

Smith’s impressive career includes significant leadership roles at William Hill, Rank Group, Flutter Entertainment (owners of FanDuel) and Game Play Network. He has been instrumental in the technical development and growth of these businesses, each at varying levels of maturity and size.

At Rank Group, one of the UK’s leading land-based casino and bingo businesses, Smith oversaw the company-wide expansion of their Player Account Management (PAM) and Omni-Channel experience, demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and scalability within complex environments. This experience is extremely valid to tribal and commercial casinos alike who are figuring out how to create an ideal connection between land based and digital experiences.

With additional experience across Class III and Class II gaming, and a deep understanding of US regulatory and technical complexities, Smith brings a unique perspective to Strive Gaming. Known for his hands-on approach to technical leadership, Smith is committed to driving innovation and excellence within the organization.

“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Strive Gaming,” said Smith. “Having worked with their PAM product from a customer perspective, I have firsthand experience of its quality and potential. I am confident that together, we can further evolve the company and achieve our vision of becoming the number one PAM provider in North America.”

Smith’s appointment underscores Strive Gaming’s commitment to fostering innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients. His vast experience and proven track record make him an invaluable addition to the leadership team.

“We are delighted to welcome Ian Smith to Strive Gaming as our new CTO,” said Max Meltzer, CEO of Strive Gaming. “Ian has rare characteristics; exceptional hands-on skill, experience and yet a sense of calm, humility and above all a desire to help talent around him flourish. This coupled with his extensive industry experience in the gaming industry make him the right person to lead our technical initiatives and helping the business achieve its goals”

Latest News

Star Sports sponsors new trainer Brian Toomey’s yard

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Peter Tolan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Former jockey who was pronounced dead for six seconds after a fall in 2013 has embarked on a new training career with some high-profile owners

Star Sports is the new sponsor of Brian Toomey’s yard in Buckinghamshire.

The 34-year-old, who was forced to retire as a jockey after a horrific fall at Perth in 2013 which almost claimed his life, has embarked on his first full season as a trainer, based at Bowstridge Farm in Chalfont St Giles.

After being granted his trainer’s licence in October, he has already secured some high-profile owners, including Amo Racing, Clipper Logistics, Jimmy Fyffe and Jeff Smith. Harry Redknapp provided him with his first winner when Wake Up Harry won at Kempton on 20^th December.

Toomey joins leading jockey Harry Skelton and recently retired legendary rider Davy Russell in Star Sports’ stable of racing ambassadors. He will provide regular updates on the yard’s runners, his views on the biggest races and meetings during the Flat season, and video content looking back at his career as a jockey, his recovery from the fall and life as a new trainer.

“Becoming a trainer has been a dream for a long time,” said Toomey. “My story is an unusual one and I know how lucky I am to be here.

“I’m hugely grateful to all the owners who have supported me at such an early stage of my career, my landlord at Bowstridge Farm as it’s such a brilliant place to train and now to my new sponsors, Star Sports.

“I’m looking forward to telling my story as a new trainer and updating Star Sports’ customers on our runners, as well as my views on the big races and issues in the industry.”

Luke Tarr, Head of PR at Star Sports, said: “Brian’s story is truly inspirational. To achieve what he has, both in his recovery from such a serious head injury and in his determined pursuit of a trainer’s licence, shows exactly what he is made of, and we are delighted to sponsor the yard.

“He has already attracted some massive owners and we’re excited to produce some top-quality content with Brian at the beginning of what we’re sure will be a very successful training career.”

Latest News

SPIN INTO A WORLD OF MYSTERY AND FORTUNE WITH SPIN 2 RICHES™

Published

6 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: INSE) a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions is thrilled to announce its latest slot game, Spin 2 Riches™, now available the UK B3/LBO market. Offering players an unparalleled gaming experience filled with mystery symbols and Fortune Spins. Spin 2 Riches invites players to embark on a thrilling adventure where every spin brings the promise of untold riches.

In Spin 2 Riches, players can activate the Mystery symbol by playing at the max stake of £2. Watch in anticipation as the Mystery symbol appears, revealing a random symbol that could pave the way for even more significant wins. But the excitement doesn’t end there – prepare to be captivated by Fortune Spins. Land three Fortune Spin symbols on the centre win line to unlock Fortune Spins across four-reel sets, offering an alternative to the base game and presenting players with two thrilling options: 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 chances to win big.

Spin 2 Riches is now available in retail, ready to captive players with its immersive gameplay and thrilling awards.

Richard Terry, UK Market Product director said: “Spin 2 Riches is set to be a great addition to the ever-expanding B3 top Inspired titles. With its vibrant theme, exciting Mystery symbol mechanic and the addition of Inspired’s phenomenal resonantly branded Fortune Spins™, players are sure to enjoy an entertaining experience