The UK Gambling Commission published the new strategy aimed at reducing problem gambling in the country for the years 2017 – 2019. The so-called National Responsible Gambling Strategy was proposed by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) and it tackles matters related to responsible gambling. The document also proposes several ways on how to deal with problem gambling which could be tackled by operators and industry people.
After having consulted with the public, the RGSB devised this new strategy. The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board provides consultation and advice on problem gambling in the United Kingdom to the UK Gambling Commission and government.
The document, valid for the next three years to 2019, is aimed towards promoting responsible gambling, reducing issues resulting from gambling and increasing the protection of vulnerable people. The strategy refers to both online and land based gambling as well as all gambling activities including national lottery. It also includes gambling environments and content as well as marketing campaigns.
An important part of the document is the 12 sectors where action should be taken with measuring harm from gambling, better understanding the ways gambling content and environment can affect people and improving the strategies towards identifying harmful effects.
According to the chairman of the RGSB, Christopher Kelly, the new strategy is, in a way, a call for action for all involved parties such as gaming and betting operators, regulators and officials to work together towards reducing problem gambling in the country. He also pointed out that the strategy presents a vision of the desirable outcome of better addressing problem gambling but it is also a challenge and would require commitment and expertise by all involved gambling parties.