One of the leading gambling charities in the UK that is currently funded by the sector has suspended some problem gamblers who urge for stricter measures against betting companies’ policy.
Gamcare’s online forums that are considered leading providers of free information and advice for problem gambling and offer support for people affected by its ban posts insisting for industry reforms. As The Times reported, one forum user, who urged the authorities for reform and wrote that the Gambling Act 2005 does not successfully protect vulnerable people had his petition removed by online moderators. Reportedly, other comments calling for further controls on gambling were edited or fully removed.
Parents of some problem gamblers, who have committed suicide, shared that the Gamcare charity should have openly spoken about the aggressive marketing used by gambling operators and backed stricter measures for the industry. However, under the forum rules, users are required not to post comments or links that lobby against the services offered by the gambling services or support political lobbying against the sector because the charity organisation has the forum for support, and not for campaigns against anyone.
One of the charities established by the friends and families of problem gamblers who have committed suicide, Gambling with Lives, claimed that Gamcare has a conflict of interest as the organisation relies on donations originating from the industry and offers its services to make sure companies are certified under the so-called “Safer Gambling Standard”.
Gamcare Criticised for Secretly Backing Gambling Operators’ Advertising Policies
According to reports, this has not been the first time when Gamcare bans users for criticising the gambling industry. A 60-year-old musician called Eugene Farrar told The Times that he left the charity forums a few years ago after being banned from posting due to criticism for the size of gambling stakes and the aggressive advertising approach used by most gambling operators.
Some opponents of the gambling sector have shared their concern that the liberalisation of the UK gambling legislation in 2005 failed to ensure adequate protection to be provided to vulnerable players.
For the time being, it is Gamcare that runs the national helpline and offers free advice and access to suitable treatment for problem gambling. The charity organisation was established in 1997 with a “neutral” position on gambling. Gamcare’s major purpose is to promote responsible gambling to British people, prevent most vulnerable members of society from becoming addicted to gambling and ensure that suitable and effective professional advice, support and treatment are provided to such people.
Following the reports of the users’ bans, the charity explained that its services, including its forum, are aimed at providing support and not for campaigning for or against the gambling sector. Gamcare also highlighted that its new Safer Gambling Standard is an accreditation process that is focused on the evaluation of the gambling companies’ standards of customer protection, and accreditation is not guaranteed.
- Author
Daniel Williams
