Published on 14th April 2016 by Becky Mosley

The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) has just revealed a new three-year strategy that aims to promote responsible gambling and reduce the number of gambling-related problems. The board also hopes to protect vulnerable members of the public who may be susceptible to gambling issues.

‘A Call To Action’

The RGSB stated that the national responsible gambling strategy, entitled ‘A Call To Action’, will apply to online and land-based casinos, as well as lotteries. However, B2 gambling machines have been overlooked for now as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) plans to deal with them individually.RGSB Chairman Christopher Kelly says that ‘A Call To Action’ will enable all companies and platforms involved to decrease damage caused by gambling. There are twelve priority objectives listed in the strategy, such as understanding the value of education when it comes to gambling issues, developing tools to identify problem gambling and improving interaction with customers.

Harm Minimisation

Neil Goulden, chairman of the Responsible Gambling Trust, explains: “The Responsible Gambling Trust shares the priorities laid out in the new RGSB strategy. In particular, RGT’s focus is on the development of more effective harm minimisation for those whose gambling becomes problematic. We also believe that prevention is better than having to help individuals, families and society deal with the consequences of problem or dependent gambling.”‘A Call To Action’ follows a previous strategy which was published in 2012 and a report published by the UKGC in February that showed 0.5% of those surveyed were problem gamblers.Overall, the strategy outlines an idea of a ‘desirable outcome’ and although it will require resources and dedication it is attainable.