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New strategy to tackle gambling-related harm launched

11 April 2016

A new strategy aimed at minimising gambling-related harm over the next three years has been published.

The National Responsible Gambling Strategy sets the agenda for a range of organisations including gambling operators, regulators, commissioning organisations, government, trade bodies, treatment providers and a number of other public agencies.

It has been produced by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) public consultation last year.

Sir Christopher Kelly, RGSB chairman, said: “The overarching aim is to minimise gambling-related harm.

“Gambling-related harm goes wider than the harm experienced by those identified as problem gamblers by existing screening tools - it can also affect the families of gamblers, their employers, their communities and society more widely.

“The strategy sets out a vision of what a desirable outcome would look like although we recognise that achieving the vision will be a significant challenge, requiring expertise, resources and commitment from a diverse range of stakeholders.

“In recent years some positive steps have been taken to tackle gambling-related problems and this strategy is designed to build on those foundations.”

The new strategy identifies 12 areas for action including an improvement in understanding and measuring harm, increased understanding of the effects of product characteristics and environment, and improvement in the methods of identifying harmful play.

Sir Christopher continued: “The publication of the strategy is a call to action for all of the organisations with a responsibility to work to minimise gambling-related harm. For the strategy to make a real difference, it requires ownership and prompt action from a wide range of organisations.

“The strategy represents a huge opportunity to improve social responsibility in gambling, and minimise gambling-related harm.”

Read the National Responsible Gambling Strategy (opens in new tab)

Read National Responsible Gambling Strategy consultation and responses.

1 The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) was set up in late 2008 to advise the Gambling Commission and, in turn, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (opens in new tab), on research, education and treatment programmes needed to support a national responsible gambling strategy and associated funding requirements.

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Last updated: 30 November 2023

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