The Association of British Bookmakers in Scotland (ABB Scotland) revealed that it is to fund a new project launched by the trade body for bookmakers in the region. The project is aimed at dealing with the problem gambling behaviour among young people, due to which serious difficulties have occurred over the past few years.
ABB Scotland revealed that it is planning to fund the six-month project. The Association has joined forces with the RCA Trust, a Paisley-based charity organisation, in order to provide 2,500 young people residing in the West part of Scotland with education and counselling support in terms of problem gambling behaviour and gambling addictions. The organisers of the project have also invited a number of schools located in Glasgow, Ruthgerglen, Clydebank and Renfrewshire to take part in it.
The Manager of RCA Trust Andrew Todd confirmed of the partnership between the charity and the Association of British Bookmakers in Scotland, saying that the project would offer both young people and their parents a chance to access specialised care in case they had difficulties on their way to fight problem gambling.
As Casino Guardian has previously reported, gambling addictions have become a serious problem among young people in the region. Recent studies have shown that 2% of the 12-15 year olds residing in England and Wales are considered as “problem gamblers” or “at risk”. Two years ago, the Scottish Health Survey has initiated a survey which proved that 0.8% of the young people between 16 and 24 years suffer from problem gambling behaviour. In comparison, the overall rate of problem gambling across all age groups was estimated to 0.7%.
Lately, these issues have become one of the most-discussed ones in terms of the risks related to the UK gambling industry. This is exactly why the Association of British Bookmakers in Scotland has presented its latest project as part of its responsible gambling measures. What is interesting is the fact that the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme which was available across the country and was initially implemented in Glasgow, was initiated by ABB Scotland. The program provided punters with the opportunity to exclude themselves from all betting shops in the area.
The official representative of ABB Scotland Donald Morrison commented on the Association’s engagement to the initiative, saying that most young people preferred to place their bets for fun and usually spent only as much as they could afford. However, he evaluated the number of young players who were at risk or suffered from problem gambling behaviour among young people as a matter of concern, especially considering the fact that young people were more vulnerable and were more likely to succumb to compulsive gambling.
According to Mr. Morrison, identifying the problem and highlighting the dangers associated with problem gambling was the most important thing to start with.
- Author
Daniel Williams
