Gambless unveils new ‘Play it Safe’ campaign for land-based gambling venues as they reopen
Operators reach out to keep its customers protected from gambling problems
Gambless has announced the launch of its new campaign, ‘Play it Safe’, amid the reopening of gambling venues as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
The gambling harm support group has been approached by several gambling operators, such as the Hippodrome Casino in the UK and LoginBet betting shops in Italy, which have shown an interest in learning ways in which they can keep their customers protected.
Gambless is the first mobile app developed by psychologists that takes a holistic view at combating issues from gambling problems.
Its methods have focused on using cognitive behavioural therapy and Gestalt therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on an individual’s present circumstances and taking responsibility for them.
The ‘Play it Safe’ flyers include a Problem Gambling Severity Index self assessment test.
And a free code to access psycho-educational resources on the Gambless app, which is targeted to those who are deemed to be most at risk of problem gambling.
According to the flyer, the estimated amount of people in the UK who have been affected by gambling disorders is more than 400,000 with two million more thought to be vulnerable from gambling-related issues.
Yet, due to stigma, only around 10,000 seek treatment for gambling problems each year.
It also highlights the relationship that problem gamblers have with other mental issues such as depression and anxiety, which was found in over 70% of those who have experienced gambling problems.
Maurizio Savino, CEO at Gambless, reflected on merits of the campaign: “These days we hear the words “reopening safely” very often; for gambling venues ‘safely’ has a double meaning – both from a sanitarian standpoint and with regards to responsible gambling.”
“It’s important we all remind ourselves which habits are healthy and which ones can become harmful,” he added.
In England and Wales, betting shops opened up again on 12 April, with casinos and bingo halls permitted to open in England and Scotland from 17 May.
Yet capacity restrictions do remain in place, and it’s unknown whether all Covid-related restrictions will be removed in England from 21 June as planned, due to the new variant of Covid-19 that was first detected in India.