The UK is far ahead of the US when it comes to their Internet gambling laws. They allow companies the freedom to operate with complete oversight and regulation from the government. Naturally, they also are ahead of the US when it comes to helping their problem gamblers.
“GamCare is leading the way in providing support for those with a gambling problem, helping thousands of people since it was founded in 1997. It is great to see the organization finding new ways to reach out and I want to hear more about the new OnLine Counselling initiative, offering counselling over the Internet,” said Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.
Sutcliffe’s reference was to a new program that has been put in place by GamCare that allows for problem gamblers to receive counselling on the Internet. There are several reasons the group is now offering the service.
Research has been done by GamCare that suggests that people with gambling problems sometimes feel more comfortable talking about their addictions online, instead of having to be face to face with a counselor. They also have found that the Internet communication allows the gamblers to speak more openly about their problems.
The work that GamCare has been doing is prompting a government inquiry into whether the group needs more money from gambling operators. The program is fully funded by gambling operators, and the government is looking to make sure the operators pay their share to keep the program moving in the right direction.
Another aspect of the online counseling that GamCare has examined is the toll that having to go to counseling takes in the family. They have concluded that Internet counseling is less of a stress for problem gamblers.
“Over the past eleven years, GamCare has developed its services to meet the needs of its callers and clients. Recognizing the nature of the ‘hidden addiction’ and the stigma still, unfortunately, associated with it, together with gambling becoming more accessible to less traditional audiences, we have developed our specialist OnLine Counselling Service. This vital professional and specialist service is delivered free to clients,” said Adrian Scarfe, Head of Clinical Services.
