The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) launches its national program on Responsible Gambling education as part of its "Safer Gambling Commitments" campaign

One of the leading associations in the UK gaming sector, with several of the country's leading gaming operators as leading members - The Betting and Gaming Council or BGC - has just launched a training program costing more than 10 million of pounds sterling and whose main objective is to publicize and defend the basic standards and commitments of Responsible Gaming, as well as the meaning and impact of the 22 actions to tackle safer gambling that were included in a major national campaign already last year past.
 

This program will focus as a target audience on the young people reached by the GamCare and YGam associations, who will be the main beneficiaries of the campaign and whose managers will be in charge of delivering the courses. These two charities aim to ensure that all children aged 11 to 19 across the UK have access to play awareness education and will provide an entire generation of young people with an opportunity to better understand the associated risks. with gaming and engaging with products and gaming environments in an informed way.
 

The program, part of a BGC Safer Gambling Commitment Package announced in November 2019, will involve direct provision of education to 120,000 youth, in addition to training more than 100,000 professionals who educate youth , including teachers, youth workers, community mental health professionals, police, and community sports trusts.
 

GamCare and YGAM have established the following shared aspirations for the UK Gambling Education Program:

• All children 11-19 years of age in England, Wales and Northern Ireland receive at least one play education session during their secondary / higher education.
• All teachers, youth workers, and other professionals working with youth should have access to information on the risks of gambling, how to identify gambling related harm to youth, and where to seek help.

• All parents and families should have access to information on youth play, how to keep youth safe, and where they can be referred for help and support.
• All youth (18 years and younger) who are "at risk" or who have developed a gambling problem, or are affected by gambling by someone close to them (eg a parent), should have access to age-appropriate treatment.
   

Commenting on the launch of the program, Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, said:

“GamCare has been working with youth and youth facing professionals to provide gambling education for many years. What we see in the classroom tends to be polarized views of the game and a lack of clear understanding of its potential risks. We are delighted to work with YGAM and extend this much-needed program. We believe that gambling education should have parity with education around other risky behaviors and the extension of this program will help us take a significant step toward achieving that goal. "

Lee Willows, founder and CEO of YGAM, said:

"Building on our five-year track record of educating professionals influencing youth learning, we are delighted to be working with GamCare, the Gambling and Gambling Council and its members, and our various external evaluation partners to scale our Geographical scope to offer This ambitious program. Harm prevention awareness and education is an important component in reducing gaming related harm. By training professionals who influence youth learning, we will equip these professionals with skills, knowledge and confidence not only to deliver the program, but also to highlight GamCare's age-appropriate support available. "

Michael Dugher, CEO of BGC, said:

“As a standards body representing the majority of the regulated industry, the BGC is delighted to support this fantastic initiative. Educating our young people is vital to ensure that they are better informed and fully aware of the potential risks. It is also essential that those who are teaching them are fully trained and can be alert to the telltale signs of any game related damage and how to access help if needed. Millions of people occasionally enjoy playing, whether in the National Lottery or in sports, bingo or games. The vast majority of people who play in the UK do so safely. This important project and investment is part of our ongoing determination at the BGC to promote safer gaming and further raise standards. "

The BGC's budget for this project from The Betting and Gaming Council and the execution of the Program supervised by an independent evaluator who will report regularly on the progress of the key objectives.