GambleAware is a leading independent charity and strategic commissioner in Great Britain focused on gambling harm education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment. Their mission is to create a safer society that is free from gambling harm for everyone. Last week, GambleAware held its Annual Conference, which stands as a landmark event in the ongoing efforts to address gambling-related harms and promote responsible gambling practices.
Below, we’ll delve into the key themes and highlights from the conference, drawing comprehensive insights from Prof. Siân Griffiths, closing remarks by Zoë Osmond, and a significant speech by Tim Miller from the Gambling Commission.
A Watershed Moment for Gambling Harm Prevention
Prof. Siân Griffiths opened the conference with a groundbreaking announcement: the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling operators, set to take effect in April 2025.
This development, long advocated for by GambleAware since 2017, represents a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable and properly resourced support for those affected by gambling harm. The levy is expected to provide a stable funding stream, allowing for long-term planning and implementation of harm prevention strategies.
The conference theme, “Building the Bridge: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Prevent Gambling Harm,” encapsulated the unique position the industry finds itself in. With the introduction of the statutory levy, there is now an unprecedented opportunity to reshape how gambling harm is addressed across Great Britain. This theme underscored the potential for transformative change in the approach to gambling harm prevention, treatment, and support services.
Tim Miller’s Call for Diverse Voices
Tim Miller, in his thought-provoking speech, emphasised the critical importance of collaboration and inclusivity in designing the new system under the statutory levy. He stressed the need to include various voices in the decision-making process. This includes individuals with lived experience of gambling harm, who can provide invaluable insights into the real-world impacts of gambling and the effectiveness of support services. Miller also highlighted the importance of input from consumers who gamble without experiencing harm, as they can offer perspectives on responsible gambling practices.
Furthermore, Miller advocated for the inclusion of professionals working in existing services, recognising their expertise and on-the-ground experience in dealing with gambling-related issues. He also emphasised the value of relevant voices from within the industry, acknowledging that operators have unique insights into gambling behaviours and potential harm reduction strategies.
Miller argued that this inclusive approach, when done transparently, would not compromise the system’s independence but rather ensure decisions are based on the best possible evidence. He stressed that diverse perspectives would lead to more comprehensive and effective policies and interventions.
Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention
Echoing Miller’s sentiments, Zoë Osmond in her closing remarks, called for embracing new ways of working and fostering new relationships. She stressed the importance of putting the needs of service users and those at risk at the forefront of the new system’s ambitions. Osmond emphasised that collaboration should extend beyond the gambling industry to include healthcare providers, social services, and other relevant stakeholders to create a holistic approach to gambling harm prevention and treatment.
She emphasised that prevention and early intervention are crucial in helping people before the impact of gambling harms occurs, potentially reducing the need for more complex and costly treatment later. Osmond argued for a proactive approach, focusing on education, awareness, and early identification of potential gambling problems.
Osmond further outlined several key areas where prevention efforts could be strengthened, including:
- Public awareness campaigns to educate about the risks of gambling and signs of problematic behaviour.
- School-based programs to promote financial literacy and responsible decision-making.
- Training for healthcare professionals to identify and address gambling-related issues.
- Development of tools and resources for self-assessment and self-exclusion.
A New Chapter in Gambling Harm Prevention
The GambleAware Annual Conference 2024 set the stage for a transformative period in gambling harm prevention and treatment. With the statutory levy on the horizon, the focus is on building a collaborative, evidence-based system that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and inclusive support for those affected by gambling harm.
As the industry moves forward, the insights from this conference will likely shape the approach to responsible gambling for years to come. The emphasis on collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and a focus on prevention aligns well with emerging trends in the online casino industry, such as the rise of no wagering free spins offers. No wagering free spins mitigate risks for players by removing the complex and often restrictive conditions tied to traditional bonus offers, such as high wagering requirements. This transparency protects players from deceptive practices and fosters trust between consumers and operators, aligning with the themes of accountability and fairness emphasised at GambleAware’s 2024 Annual Conference.
The conference highlighted the need for a holistic approach to gambling harm prevention, one that involves not just the gambling industry but also healthcare providers, educators, financial institutions, and technology companies. By working together and leveraging diverse expertise, there is a real opportunity to create a safer gambling environment and provide more effective support for those who need it.
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