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September 16, 2008
The Responsibility In Gambling Trust (RIGT) is an independent charity which tackles problem gambling in the UK, including bricks and mortar casinos and bingo halls, and the online sector with online bingo, poker, casinos and sportsbetting sites. The Trust is concerned with the latest upsurge in problem cases and is working hard to address the situation. In its latest efforts towards this objective, the charity has initiated a study to gather the required data to try and resolve the issues faced by the public engaged in varieties of gambling, bingo halls and online bingo games notwithstanding. The figures derived out of the study, which is focusing on problem gambling prevailing in UK, will be of great use in motivating further funding for the various purposes of research, education programs and treatment in dealing with the issue. What exactly is problem gambling? This is what happens when an individual no longer is able to control their habit, spending more money than he/she can afford and basically unable to stop and lead a normal life. Extreme cases can lead to adverse consequences for the individual, their families or even the community at large. Although this is comparatively rare in online bingo, a recent news article highlighted the case of a woman who stole £62,000 from her employer in order to fund her out of control online bingo habit. The report is awaited by the online bingo and bingo industry circles anxiously, even though playing bingo at online bingo sites or at traditional bingo halls is not a major contributor to the “impulse control disorder” prevalent in the gambling populace in the UK. RIGT is requesting funding contributions of up to £10 million per annum from land-based Bingo Halls as well as online bingo sites to tackle this social problem. RIGT has ambitious plans to combat problem gambling, and aims not only to make treatment available for the affected person, which is not a cure, but also wants to take prevention measures by pre-empting the problem with appropriate education and counseling. This way, it is hoped that gamblers can be encouraged to gamble responsibly, making wise and informed choices, while indulging in their favourite pasttime – be it poker or online bingo. According to the Chairman of RIGT, simply providing treatment for existing sufferers is too little and too late. and the most important and effective approach is that of prevention, to ensure that people are educated and well aware of the early warning signs and costly consequences of problem gambling. Written by Charlene Grey for Bingo Street – the UK’s number one resource for the best online bingo promotions and the top free bingo games.
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