New Markets - New Opportunities?

Online Gambling and Debt Acquisition – the 24/7 opportunity to do both Andy Todd Counselling Manager RCA Trust Paisley

The RCA Trust Our service was established in 1978 as an independent voluntary service We aim to limit the damaging affects of problem behaviours and addictions on the individual, their families and the community. The methods we use include one to one counselling, education, advice, harm prevention, information and rehabilitation services. All our services are confidential, with all our staff trained to national quality assured standards

Gambling in Scotland Work in partnership with The Responsible Gambling Fund, Gamcare, PFA Scotland, Money Advice Services to help problem gamblers and their families Not only the individual affected but family, friends, work colleagues, employers etc The problems associated with problem gambling are multi – faceted and complex. Stopping or reducing the frequency of gambling may resolve the core issue. However, other concerns have to be resolved to offer a truly holistic intervention

Gambling in the UK How much is gambled in the UK each week? 1 - £500 million 2 - £750 million 3 – Over £1 billion

Gambling in the UK Over £1 billion is gambled in the UK each week. Estimates from a range of sources suggest that £85 billion are gambled in the UK on a yearly basis. (Gambling Commission, ONS).

From a Scottish perspective, what percentage of people have gambled in the last year? % % %

Definition of gambling “ Wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and or material goods.”

Gambling and in the UK The British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 Results from the study indicated – 73% of the population had gambled in the last year Men were more likely to gamble than women Problem gambling was estimated at 0.9%. Therefore, 451,000 people in the UK could be affected by problem gambling directly.

Gambling and the UK (cont) X5 for other people affected then you have over 2 million people Young people under 24 are more likely to gamble than any other group The most popular activity is the National Lottery followed by Scratchcards, Horse Racing, Fruit Machines and Private Betting 14% participated on online gambling.

Online Gambling in the UK Google online gambling in the UK and you will get 31,500,000 results. Activities include Casino play, Bingo, Sports Betting, Slot machines, Betting Exchanges – Betfair, Betdaq, World Bet Exchange. Estimates for 2009 – 2010 conclude online gambling is worth £200 billion per year. It has been restricted and even banned by some countries

Online gambling and the UK. The prevalence survey indicated there was a reported increase in the amount of gambling online from 6% to 7% since the last survey This increase was greater for females than males. It has been suggested that this is due to targeted advertising at females, ease of access Greater accessibility and technological advances through mobile technology

Online Gambling and Debt Around 15% of the people we see each year are affected by problem gambling online. The debts reported vary from £800 of personal debt to £125,000 debts across a ranges of financial institutions. Individuals who come to our service for help and gamble problematically online, have the greatest amount of debts accrued in the shortest space of time Debts include - Credit Cards, Bank Loans, Payday Loans, Illegal Money Lenders, Mortgage Arrears, Personal Debts.

Gambling and Debt The Money Advice Trust and Gamcare commissioned research into gambling and debt in 2008/ participants completed questionnaires on gambling and debt problems 21 follow up interviews – problem gamblers, concerned significant others and credit industry. Regional forums took place – debt advisors, health care, counsellors

Gambling and Debt Key findings included – Debts of up to £60,000 is not uncommon There is a lack of understanding of problem gambling with money advice agencies and the NHS Awareness of potential help for problem gamblers is equally low. Greater education is needed to help address these issues across a range of services, particularly with young people

Gambling Risk and Harm Minimisation 3 The aims of the project -To raise awareness with interested stakeholders and partners of issues associated with gambling -Provide information and appropriate training on screening and support for problem gambling to stakeholders and partners -Develop appropriate care pathways so individuals receive help and support from associated agencies – Debt advice, GP’s, Homeless Services -Increased use of interventions, particularly through the utilisation of brief interventions, to reduce gambling at harmful levels.

Gambling Risk and Harm Minimisation 3 (cont) The project covers 8 local authority areas in the West Coast of Scotland Renfrewshire East Renfrewshire Inverclyde Glasgow City North Lanarkshire North Ayrshire East Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire

How we are going to deliver? -We have established an experienced team that will be able to deliver the aims of the project -Already we have been able to identify several stakeholders and partners who are willing to participate -An additional target list of potential stakeholders has also been identified. -The Advisory Group that will oversee the project has been established and meets on a regular basis -We will utilise existing networks as well as developing new networks throughout the area to promote the service, partners, media, radio

The importance of Money Advice and Debt Advisors We recognise that this is a natural pathway for individuals presenting with gambling issues to seek advice. We have worked in partnership with money advice agencies to resolve debt issues, through voluntary payments, Trust Deeds etc. Working in partnership provides a wider holistic approach and should deal with problem resolution more effectively.

Conclusion Gambling is now more accessible than ever, gambling is 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you are gambling online, you do not hand over real money. We have seen a small rise in online gambling, however, traditional forms of gambling still tend to be most problematic. Research indicates there is a lack of knowledge about the help available

Help and Advice is available RCA Trust – Gamcare – Gamblers Anonymous Scotland –