GambleAware and GamCare Offer 24-hour National Gambling Helpline [Starting October 1]

The mutual project between GamCare and GambleAware designed to assist those who have experienced or are suffering from gambling-related harms will now be available 24-hours a day. Staring October 1st, consumers can The National Gambling Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via webchat.

The main goal of the line is to provide additional , advice and the necessary information to those either personally experiencing issues or those whose family are at risk. Since the stats show that the line received over 30,000 calls in 2018/19, the need for extended working hours is obvious.

Valuable Input from Clients

As far as the Gambling Commission claims, there are around 340,000 problem gamblers nationwide. In addition to this, up to 2 million consumers are at risk of developing a gambling issue.

Having in mind that a wide range of entertaining activities is now available throughout the night…

…a time when consumers experience issues is the most isolated. That’s why the new extended helpline hours offer bigger availability to those who need it the most. The expert can be ed 24/7, all year long.

Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission commented as follows:

“The pilot to extend the hours of the National Gambling Helpline is a very welcome step. GamCare’s specialist advisers are now there if people need at any hour of the day. This change arose out of the input of people with lived experience into research and demonstrates why that continued input is vital.”

The Network of Treatment Services

GamCare Advisers provide through several different channels such as online or by telephone. In case the clients ask them so, they can even connect callers with local treatment services.

Pointing out treatment and as key pillars for responsible gambling, Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, announced as follows:

“We are delighted to be able to extend the hours of operation of the National Gambling Helpline to further those affected by gambling-related harm. With the 24-hour nature of gambling, people sometimes feel at their most isolated overnight, when other services are closed. They will now be able to reach our highly trained Advisers 24 hours a day, who can offer immediate , advice, and referral to our network of treatment services nationally.”

Enhanced Protection

Wanting to raise the level of protection of minors, GambleAware and Parent Zone teamed up. The partnership the leading charity and digital family life specialist aims to educate families on numerous gaming-related issues, particularly regarding the younger population.

Commenting on the improved availability of services, Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware said as follows:

“GambleAware is responsible for commissioning the National Gambling HelpLine, which is a core element of an emerging National Gambling Treatment Service. Our priority is to keep people safe and to ensure services are easily accessible. As such, we are pleased to be funding an extension to the helpline’s operating hours, and we will evaluate its performance over time.”

Source:

“National Gambling HelpLine to Operate 24 Hours a Day”, gamcare.org.uk, September 30, 2019.