Three of the UK’s gambling addiction services have partnered to launch a new support campaign.
GamCare, Gamban and Gamstop have teamed up to launch TalkBanStop, a new campaign aimed to help people suffering from gambling-related harms.
The campaign comes at a time where problem gambling risks have increased due to a rise in online gambling activity since the first lockdown was introduced in March.
The TalkBanStop campaign
The new TalkBanStop campaign launches today and is backed by ex-footballer and recovering gambling addict Michael Chopra. The Gambling Commission will provide funding for the campaign while market research company Ipsos MORI will evaluate its effectiveness.
The campaign will launch as a 12-month pilot and will see the three gambling addiction services team up to provide free tools to help gamblers start the process of recovery this Christmas.
Support will be available via GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, free Gamban blocking software and Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme.
The campaign consists of three key steps, “Talk” which is covered by GamCare’s helpline, “Ban” which includes GamBan’s blocking software being offered for free and “Stop” which will involve players signing up to Gamstop so that they will be unable to access their online gambling accounts in the UK.
GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings said: “After a particularly challenging year when many have been impacted by job losses and reduced income, Christmas can be a difficult time for those struggling to stop gambling.
“The TalkBanStop. campaign sends a message of hope to those who are struggling with gambling but don’t know how to start their recovery journey, by providing free tools and support that give breathing space to reflect on what’s going on.”
In the announcement, it was explained that the Christmas period presents a heightened level of risk to those people who struggle with gambling and the coronavirus pandemic has only made things worse when it comes to isolation, boredom and money worries.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission CEO, says: “Christmas can be a challenging time for those experiencing gambling related harm so we are particularly pleased with this collaborative approach to offer joined up and comprehensive services to consumers.
“We are also happy to approve funding of the blocking software pilot and evaluation element of this work through the distribution of regulatory settlement money to properly identify what works.
“With just one call, gamblers will be helped on their road to recovery. These three services working together will offer greater protection to those who want to stop gambling, as well as giving gamblers the space to reflect and concentrate on their recovery over the Christmas period, with specialist support.”
