The industry has the prime responsibility to offer their products in a way that does not encourage repetitive play, and to ensure that they give strong support to research in the causes of problem gambling and its treatment.
The Gambling Act 2005 gives greater protection for the vulnerable minority who have problems with their gambling. All gambling operators will have to act in a socially responsible way; this will no longer be optional best practice.
Responsibility in Gambling Trust
The industry has established the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT) to fund prevention and treatment of problem gambling. It will fund new programmes of research into the causes of problem gambling and effective treatment methods. The trust, even before legislation, has so far raised more than £2 million. We have set a target of £3 million each year, once the Act has been fully implemented.
RIGT has also initiated a research programme and has increased funding for GamCare with a telephone helpline and counselling as a priority.
Need help?
The following organisations are working to tackle problem gambling and might be able to help.
Counselling, support and residential care | Research and information
Counselling, support and residential care
- Citizens Advice
Helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice from nearly 3,400 locations, and by influencing policymakers.
- Gam-Anon
Support to those affected by another person's gambling. A fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, relatives or close friends who have been affected by problem gambling.
- Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
- GamCare
A registered charity that takes a non-judgemental approach on gambling, and a leading authority on the provision of information, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling.
- Gordon House Association
Provides residential treatment for severely addicted gamblers, as well as providing outreach support and Internet counselling service.
- NCH Childrens Charity (previously the National Children's Home)
Helps children achieve their full potential, through services that support some of the most vulnerable and excluded children in the UK.
- National Debtline
Provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
- Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT)
Formerly known as The Gambling Industry Charitable Trust, the RIGT is an independent Trust, provided with voluntary funding by the Gambling Industry, to research and limit problem gambling. RIGT is not a provider of treatment services.
- Telephone Helplines Association
Recognised as the main source of specialist information relating to the setting up and running of non-profit helplines in the UK and Ireland. Provides advice, consultancy and training on matters relating to the provision of quality helpline services for the voluntary and statutory sectors.
top
Research and information
