Ladbrokes backs Gamcare youth programme

UK gaming firm Ladbrokes has pledged GBP 180,000 to Gamcare’s new Youth Program over 2016 and 2017, following a visit by chief executive officer, Jim Mullen.

The national problem gambling organization will utilize the funds at three regional “youth hubs” across the UK providing information, advice, early interventions, and links to treatment.

According to GamCare, the programme which first piloted in Bristol during 2015 delivered positive results and feedback from both professionals and young gamblers.

“When I spent time with Dirk and his team, I got a real sense of how effective their interventions can be and how important it is for people to get timely advice,” Mullen said.

“For most people, gambling is a safe and thrilling way to spend their leisure time and I want people to enjoy it responsibly. The idea that we can begin to inform and educate young adults about the potential problems associated with gambling is something that feels right to me. Evidence suggests young people may be more prone to losing control over their gambling and through this piece of work, we have the opportunity to help people remember that gambling should be fun, not a problem.”

Ladbrokes’ donation is over and above the annual payments the company makes indirectly to GamCare’s Responsible Gambling Trust.

“We sincerely thank Jim Mullen and Ladbrokes for this contribution to our work with young people across the UK,” said Dirk Hansen, chief executive officer of Gamcare. “Our work aims to ensure that young people can access honest, accurate and relevant information about gambling and make informed choices about whether they choose to gamble.

“As a result of this programme, young people will also be able to access help and support tailored for them should they need it. This donation, along with recent support from the Rank Group, will allow us to achieve national scale with this vital service.”

Related and similar