Safer Gambling Standard Ended By GamCare
The Safer Gambling Standard was launched by GamCare in 2019. However, its days are numbered, with GamCare announcing it is coming to an end. Still, the organisation reassured everybody that it would continue to work for safe gambling practices.
GamCare has announced a key decision about the Safer Gambling Standard. © iamaliuyar, Pixabay
Changes in Structure
GamCare has announced that its support for Safer Gambling Standard is winding down.
Safer Gambling Standard was launched back in 2019 but GamCare said nearly a year ago that it was reviewing the service.
In December 2023, it was announced by the GamCare Board that the Safer Gambling Standard would continue its work, but it would be under a different structure.
Safer Gambling Standard describes itself as an “independent quality standard, accredited by UKAS, that assesses the measures gambling businesses have put in place to protect people from experiencing gambling-related harm”.
GamCare had hoped to find a new home for Safer Gambling services but has now confirmed that it will be wound down in the coming weeks.
“Despite in-depth discussions with a range of organisations, unfortunately, GamCare has not been able to secure an appropriate new home for these services,” it said in a statement.
Commitments Continue
GamCare noted that its work to combat gambling harm will carry on even if its support for the Safer Gambling Standard will be finished before the end of the year.
“It is important to note that whilst GamCare will no longer provide new Safer Gambling services to the industry from the New Year, the organisation remains committed to reducing gambling harm and none of our other services are affected by this change, including the National Gambling Helpline which is available 24/7,” it said.
The National Gambling Helpline is available around the clock, with support offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the 0808 8020 133 telephone number.
“Our core focus at GamCare will continue to be the provision of high-quality, accessible support to the thousands of people who come through our services each year, both those who are struggling with gambling directly as well as those who are affected by someone else’s gambling,” added the statement from GamCare on the Safer Gambling Standard. “All of GamCare’s work is focused on the reduction of gambling harms, as it has been for 27 years.”
Range Of Support Available
While support for the Safer Gambling Standard at GamCare is ending, help is still offered by the organisation via a range of methods:
- Live chat
- WhatsApp with a Helpline adviser on 020 3031 8881
- Daily live chat rooms
- 24/7 forums
- Email support
- Local support groups
GamCare’s Night Chatrooms were recently launched and are running every Tuesday from 1am to 2am, with its users able to remain anonymous if they wish.
