Gambling charity plans education campaign

The Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT) is planning an information campaign to educate and advise the public about responsible gambling. The initiative follows the relaxation in advertising rules for gambling companies that came into force on September 1 with the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005.

RIGT is considering a poster campaign and a leaflets campaign to be placed in casinos, bookmakers and other gaming establishments. There are also discussions about the possibility of setting up a national helpline.

This is the second phase of a public awareness campaign that began with the launch of gambleaware.co.uk. The website, which is managed by RIGT, was developed by a task force composed of members of the gambling industry, the Gambling Commission, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and academics.

RIGT communications director, Jo O’Driscoll says: “Gambleaware.co.uk is aimed at everyone who gambles or knows someone who does. It will help people to manage their gambling and show them where to get help if they have a problem. The website is the first step in a broader campaign designed to promote responsible gambling.”

In accordance with the voluntary code for gambling advertising, drawn up after negotiations between the industry and the DCMS, all commercials must refer to the gambleaware.co.uk website (MW August 9)

RIGT is a charity and was established following recommendations made by the Budd Report, an independent review of gambling, commissioned by the Government in 2001. It is funded by the gambling industry, but is completely independent.