More On U.K. Gambling Prevalence Study

Published: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Online-Casinos.com

MORE ON U.K. GAMBLING PREVALENCE STUDY

Operators will be required to contribute to education and research about problem gambling, as well as to its treatment.

Source: Gambling Commission Website.

Two internationally recognised tools were used to measure problem gambling. The 'DSM IV' used in the 1999 survey provides comparative results, while the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a new and more sophisticated measure developed in Canada, replaces the South Oaks Gambling Screen. DSM IV stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, 4th edition.

Comparisons to other jurisdictions show Britain has a higher gambling problem rate than Norway (0.2%), similar rate to Canada (0.5%), New Zealand (0.5%), Sweden (0.6%), Switzerland (0.8%), lower than Iceland (1.1%), South Africa (1.4%), USA (3.5%), Singapore (4.1%), Hong Kong (5.3%). (Comparisons,however, should be treated with caution, as different methodologies have been used in different countries).

Problem gambling, measured as a percentage of adults shows that, with DSM IV, 0.6% of adults are problem gamblers - the same as 1999. The prevalence of problem gambling among past year gamblers was 0.9% for the DSM IV (compared to 0.8% in 1999 this change is not statistically significant). With the PGSI measure, 0.5% of adults are problem gamblers and 0.8% of past-year gamblers have a problem. These figures include the National Lottery.

The new regime places social responsibility requirements on British-based gambling operators and the Commission will monitor how the industry meets these requirements. Operators will also be required to contribute to education and research about problem gambling, as well as to its treatment. Other requirements include:

* putting in place policies and procedures to discharge their social responsibility obligations;

* training staff to recognise and deal with problem gambling;
prominently displaying where help can be found by those who need it;
enabling players on the internet to keep control by setting limits on their stakes; and

* providing for self-exclusion from gambling premises for players who seek it.

http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk...bleaware.co.uk is a new gambling advice website set up by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT). The site is featured on all gambling advertisements from companies regulated by the Commission as part of the industry led advertising code of practice.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.