GamCare

GamCare offers guidance and counselling in order to help minimise the negative social effects of gambling in the United Kingdom. It is a charitable organisation that was founded in April 1997. In October of that year Adrian Scarfe, Head of Clinical Services at GamCare, launched the organisation’s Help Line and counselling services. The president of GamCare is Lord McIntosh of Haringey.

GamCare offers services for problem gamblers, including free guidance and support through their telephone Help Line and Net Line (the online equivalent) and the use of their online forum and chat rooms. In 2007, GamCare counsellors handled over 38,000 calls from gamblers or their family members seeking help with addiction. Additionally, those living in the UK can seek face to face counselling, either through GamCare or their partners. GamCare also trains people to work with those who may be addicted to gambling.

GamCare Certification is awarded to gambling companies that have successfully implemented robust policy for dealing with potential problem gamblers. Just some of the benefits of certification include:

• Ensures that the company meets or surpasses regulatory conditions;
• Decrease in incidences of problematic gambling and under-age access;
• Strengthening of corporate governance and brand identity;
• Improved customer experience;
• Likely reductions in acquisition and retention costs;
• Reduced potential for dispute;
• Wider organisational ownership and understanding of player protection policies;
• Enhanced customer service skills.