GamCare unveils project to support gamblers suffering financial harm

GamCare has launched a new project aiming to develop a best practice framework for the identification and support of players experiencing financial difficulty thanks to gambling.

As part of the project, backed by Playtech, the charity will author a series of best practice standards and oversee the launch a new cross-sector training programme.

The project will also see the development of a toolkit to help players when they encounter financial difficulties as a result of gambling and consistent and actively updated advice messaging for players.

The best practice framework will be additionally worked on by an advisory panel which includes representatives from HSBC, NatWest, Santander, Citizens Advice, the Senet Group, the Remote Gambling Association, the Money and Pensions Service and PayPlan.

Representatives from Playtech will also work within the cross-industry panel.

Ian Ince, head of regulatory affairs and compliance at Playtech, said it was important to deliver “scalable and impactful” programmes to support financial wellbeing as part of the larger National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Related Harm.

UK bank Natwest recently agreed a partnership with GamCare which will see the high-street bank devote private space within its branches to allow its customers to receive gambling-related harm advice from GamCare professionals.

Speaking about the new advisory group, Neil Wainwright, customer protection manager at NatWest, stressed the role banks and credit organisations play in supporting and protecting at-risk gamblers.

“We’re looking forward to working with representatives of the Advisory Group to encourage deeper understanding of the financial harm that gamblers and their families can face and develop best practice support to help those who want to stop,” Wainwright added.

Earlier this week, fellow operator HSBC confirmed it would look to implement daily restrictions on online-gambling related transactions by 2020.