Dedicated to Preventing &amp; Minimising Gambling Harm  

Helping Bring Awareness and Support for Problem Gambling Across Ireland

In the modern age, Ireland has become a popular tourist destination with its green countryside, ancient castles, and rich culture. What many people do not know, is that Ireland is suffering from a gambling problem.<ul><li>Ireland has the third-highest gambling losses per adult, in the world.</li><li>According to the <a href="https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/30299/1/Drug-Prevalence-B7-Gambling-Results.pdf">Department of Health</a>, Ireland has in the region of 30,000 people with gambling problems (aged 15 and over).</li><li>Fewer than 1% of people who would benefit from problem gambling treatment receive it.</li><li>According to the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, gambling addiction affects young people at 2-3 times the rate of adults.</li><li>Over €5bn each year is gambled in Ireland - that's €10,000 every minute.</li><li>12% of Irish Adults bet with a bookmaker on a weekly basis and 2% bet regularly online.</li></ul> "The absence of gambling regulation in Ireland negatively impacts on roughly 300,000 people, in the form of direct and indirect gambling-related harm.  As there is no Regulator, we cannot have a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme - either for land-based or online gambling.  This greatly increases the risk of relapse in Ireland, compared to countries where regulation exists.  There is also no legal requirement for affordability checks or source of wealth checks - which exist in other jurisdictions.  This greatly increases the risk of people gambling beyond their means or with stolen funds.  Credit card gambling, which has been banned in the UK, is still legal in Ireland - meaning that most of the people we work with, will end up with substantial credit card debt, as part of their gambling-related debts.  We urgently need to see a gambling Regulator in this country in order to minimise the harm and potential harms associated with problem gambling." - Barry Grant, Extern Problem Gambling Project<h3>Online Gambling sites in Ireland</h3>Online casino gambling was legalized in Ireland in the last decade, along with online sportsbooks. Since Irish law allows both local and offshore casinos to operate within Ireland, there are plenty of legal and black market sites offering casino games in Ireland.There are between 30,000 and 40,000 people with gambling problems in Ireland. It is estimated that, for every person with a gambling problem, an additional 8-10 people are adversely affected. The HSE stated that they only worked with 230 people with gambling problems in 2019. This is only the tip of the iceberg.“As Ireland is about to emerge as a regulated online gambling market it is fair to say that the current treatment infrastructure isn’t anywhere near as mature or evolving as the treatment apparatus to that of the UK. With this in mind, we have a lot of individuals based in rural and isolated areas without access to treatment easily. We believe that without access to treatment centres that Gamban can provide aid against gambling-related harm and act as an enabler helping people to take back control of their lives.” - Stephen Aupy, VP Strategic Partnerships<h3>Irish Gambling Regulations and Law</h3>Ireland's multi-billion-euro betting, gaming, and gambling industries are regulated by outdated legislation, primarily the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act and the 1931 Betting Act, both of which the Government has admitted are outdated.David Stanton, The Minister of State with responsibility for the gambling industry, has admitted he is "frustrated" at the lengthy delay in publishing the legislation, which is now running nearly five years behind schedule.Mr. Stanton said that he plans to amend the 1956 Act to include the emerging technology of online gaming. Mr Stanton has also spoken on how his concerns for children being potentially  "groomed" by online games, acting as a precursor to gambling sites. He said the new laws would prohibit activities that encouraged children into gambling.<h3>Gamban and the Extern Problem Gambling Project</h3>We're working with the <a href="https://www.problemgambling.ie/">Extern Problem Gambling Project (formerly Problem Gambling Ireland)</a> to help reduce gambling harm and increase awareness, not only around problem gambling but the services available for those who are struggling may struggle with it.Over lockdown (and continuing as of writing this) many Casino and Betting operators were urged by the charity <a href="https://www.problemgambling.ie/">Extern Problem Gambling Project</a> to immediately implement mandatory deposit and spending limits on online gambling platforms for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown over fears that online gambling could increase in popularity while betting shops are closed.If you're in Ireland and struggling with a gambling problem, don't hesitate to reach out to the <a href="https://www.problemgambling.ie/">Extern Problem Gambling Project</a> for support and guidance.

Gamban Partners with the Extern Problem Gambling Project (formerly Problem Gambling Ireland)

Gamban Partners with the Extern Problem Gambling Project (formerly Problem Gambling Ireland)
Helping Bring Awareness and Support for Problem Gambling Across Ireland

How Can Gamban Help Those at Risk?

Talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, emerging practices related to self-exclusion.

Gamban's very own Melissa Etherington was featured on <a href="https://www.the-next-normal.com/the-next-normal-news/improved-safeguards-for-online-gambling-webinar/">The Next Normal: Improved Safeguards for Online Gambling</a> webinar talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, emerging practices related to self-exclusion.Joining Melissa was Janine Robinson, the Director of Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, and DR Michael Auer, Managing Director of Neccton. Melissa goes on to talk about self-exclusion as a part of gambling addiction treatment and recovery and where Gamban fits into it. Out of our users surveyed, of those who attending gambling treatment services, 89% found that Gamban was useful and with 62% saying that they used additional tools to aid their recovery; such as Gamstop and Monzo.Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware said; “Blocking software can be an effective tool to help those at risk of getting into difficulties resist ubiquitous gambling adverts and special offers that surround us these days. This report reinforces the point that such tools work best as part of a treatment package tailored to the individual rather than being effective in isolation. This evaluation gives us the confidence we needed to fund the use of this software for anyone who is referred to our <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambleaware-chooses-gamban-gambling-blocking-software">treatment services</a>.”  70% of our respondents said Gamban helped them significantly reduce the amount of time they spent gambling online. 88% said they would recommend Gamban as part of the <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/help-with-gambling">recovery process.</a>Want to hear more from Melissa? Listen to her appearance on the <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/all-in-the-addicted-gamblers-podcast">All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast</a> or would you like to know more about how <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/self-exclusion-puzzle">Gamban fits within self-exclusion</a>?

Melissa Etherington on The Next Normal: Improved Safeguards for Online Gambling webinar

Gamban's very own Melissa Etherington was featured on The Next Normal: Improved Safeguards for Online Gambling webinar talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, emerging practices related to self-exclusion.

Covid-19 Has Introduced Drastic Changes in Online and I Feel That the Regulators Should Be More Pro-active

Stephen Aupy VP of Strategic Partnerships at Gamban, speaks to Gambling.Re on the remote gambling world from a safer gambling perspective.

<h2>The remote gambling sector, like the rest of the world, is undergoing major change. </h2>As we are all trying to navigate around this uncharted climate, my current trail of thought regarding gambling addiction is that, whether in lockdown or isolation, players may very well find themselves vulnerable to online gambling.I would expect that more people are likely to present via remote treatment resources and helplines. Given the circumstances, safer gambling is even more critical to what regulators and operators in various markets do during this testing time.I feel that the industry needs to increase efforts on educating more of the public about the risks associated with online gambling and to promote safer gambling solutions. It is remarkably interesting to see what the interplay between land-based and online casino looks like during COVID-19. According to the findings of a survey carried out by Clean up Gambling in the UK, <blockquote>“The absence of opportunities to bet on sports indicates that they are resorting to online casino games and slot machines, which carry higher rates of addiction. Even among casual gamblers, more than half of respondents said they had sustained or increased their level of gambling”</blockquote><h2>“The rise of e-sports betting is becoming of great interest.”</h2>I have been following various markets and am finding the rise of wagering on e-sports to be of significant interest. Due to the lockdown of sporting events, we are seeing e-sports becoming fast-tracked for wagering in multiple markets. It is my opinion that the links between gaming and gambling will most certainly make for a Molotov of problematic behaviours that will attract the next generation of gamblers.On the other hand, we are hearing about how different regulators are stopping or limiting the amount of marketing that operators are sending to their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Unfortunately, I feel that these measures alone are still not efficient enough keeping an actual safer gambling perspective. COVID-19 has introduced drastic changes in online and I feel that the regulators should be more pro-active on addressing operators to ensure that compulsive online gambling doesn’t spike in society for their jurisdiction.I would like to see the regulators from various markets start to take the potential rise of problem gambling more seriously and start to underpin self-exclusion through the use of blocking software to really combat the issue.

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a World of Evolving Technology, Access to Gambling Has Grown Exponentially

Our very own <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-etherington-5419b483/">Melissa Etherington</a> was featured on the <a href="https://addictedgamblerpodcast.libsyn.com/096-talking-gamban-with-melissa-from-gamban">All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast</a> talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, Americas approach to safer gambling with and self-exclusion. In a world of evolving technology, access to gambling has grown exponentially. Users can find themselves in any situation gambling online, whether that's at work, waiting for the bus or sitting on the toilet.  <blockquote>"I work also on a problem gambling helpline, I have filtered a few calls from individuals that have gambled in casinos, without much of a problem, but once they were forced to go online and gamble they recognised that their gambling got to the point of being concerning" - Jeff W</blockquote>This concern is reflected by recent <a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Covid-19-research/Covid-19-update-June-2020/Covid-19-and-its-impact-on-gambling-%E2%80%93-what-we-know-so-far-updated-June-2020.aspx">reports</a> explaining that while overall people are gambling less, however those who are gambling are spending more. More than six out of ten (62%) have either increased their time or money spent on at least one gambling activity, including the National Lottery.Melissa goes on to mirror our optimism for a safer approach for America as they allow more online gambling operations. We hope that American casinos and regulators take note on how the UK has adapted and changed its approach to safer online gambling; putting more precautions in place, restrictions on advertising and offering mandatory self-exclusion. Getting it right, from the start, and even building upon it. <blockquote>"I'm all for any kind of tools that will help us as problem gamblers or addicted gamblers in recovery, to put obstacles in our way and certainly with the increased popularity of online gambling I think that you really provide a great service." - Jeff W</blockquote>We'd like to thank Jeff and Brian of the All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast for featuring Melissa and Gamban, helping create more awareness around problem gambling and problem gambling solutions. Find more helpful podcasts <a href="https://addictedgamblerpodcast.libsyn.com/">here</a>.

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban 

Our very own Melissa Etherington was featured on the All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, Americas approach to safer gambling with and self-exclusion.

Gamban is thrilled to announce Jody Bechtold as the newest member of its advisory board.

We are honoured to announce that Jody Bechtold (an expert in gambling addiction, CEO at The Better Institute, counselling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US) has become the newest member of Gamban’s advisory board. Jody Bechtold presents both nationally &amp; internationally about education and treatment for problem gambling. She serves as Vice President for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, and as a board member for the National Council on Problem Gambling.Jack Symons, Co-Founder and Director of Gamban says: “I am thrilled to welcome Jody Bechtold to our advisory board. Her frontline experience combined with rational and pragmatic treatment strategies offers us critical insight that will help us further develop Gamban and build traction, particularly in the United States.”Appearing on numerous TV spots, print media and presenting national webinars on the topics of mental health gambling addiction and self-exclusion technology, Jody stands as one of the most knowledgeable individuals on gambling addiction, understanding the importance of technology within recovery.“I'm honoured to join the advisory board for Gamban. As a Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor, I have witnessed first hand the benefits of Gamban and how it helps individuals on their road to recovery and a better life,” said Jody Bechtold.<h3>About Jody Bechtold</h3>Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, PC is the CEO at The Better Institute, a counseling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. Before starting The Better Institute, she worked with small businesses, pre-IPO and venture backed organizations as well as academic institutions with the primary focuses of mental health and technology. She has delivered dozens of workshops, trainings, webinars and keynote speeches for the mental health, addiction, and technology industries. She serves as a board member of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Vice President of the Board for International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB), and member of the National Speaker Association (NSA) Pittsburgh chapter.Jody holds a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration, and is a graduate of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Coaching Certification Program at Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement.When Jody isn’t working, you can find her providing pet therapy with her dog, Hanna, and supporting her husband’s business, Pittsburgh Guitars.For more information, please contact Melissa Etherington <a href="mailto:melissa@gamban.com">melissa@gamban.com</a> or visit <a href="www.gamban.com">www.gamban.com</a>

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board 

We are honoured to announce that Jody Bechtold (an expert in gambling addiction, CEO at The Better Institute, counselling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US) has become the newest member of Gamban’s advisory board.

Shining a Light on Responsible Companies

The Knowledge Podcast 

Gamban's co-founder and director Jack Symons joins Richard Delaney on The Knowledge Podcast. Talking on Jack's own struggles with gambling, Gamban's conception and the changes in users we've seen during these challenging times.<blockquote>“Aside from the nasal tones of British summer Hay fever, it was a pleasure to speak with Richard Delaney about player protection on The Knowledge Podcast. We are excited to work with Gambling.com to provide access to effective tools like Gamban that protect and minimise gambling harm.” - Jack Symons </blockquote><h5>Listen to the Podcast below.</h5><h5><a href="https://soundcloud.com/the-knowledge-gdc/episode-10-jack-symons-co-founder-director-at-gamban">https://soundcloud.com/the-knowledge-gdc/episode-10-jack-symons-co-founder-director-at-gamban</a></h5>

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast 

Gamban's co-founder and director Jack Symons joins gambling.com's Richard Delaney on The Knowledge Podcast.

Highlighting the Importance of a Multi-Layered Approach to Self-Exclusion

Author: Patroklos Androulakis-Korakakis, Research Officer, Gamban

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Highlighting the Importance of a Multi-Layered Approach to Self-Exclusion From Online Gambling

Enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax Customers Access to Gamban. 

To Help Customers Block Access to Online Gambling with Gamban

Since 2015, <a href="https://gamban.com/product">Gamban</a> has gone from strength to strength, setting the standard in gambling blocking software. Gamban is the smartest and most effective software for blocking gambling sites and applications. First-hand experience of problem gambling, combined with the most talented minds in the field of self-exclusion software have resulted in the <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambleaware-chooses-gamban-gambling-blocking-software">most effective</a> cross-platform solution for creating friction and aiding willpower in the fight against gambling addiction. We're extremely excited to announce a partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and Gamban, enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax customers access to Gamban. This is in addition to the Lloyds Banking Group Gambling Transaction Freezes which customers can activate from within the mobile banking app, providing an additional layer of protection from potential gambling harm.<blockquote>“We know that gambling related harm can have serious and long term impacts on our customers and we are committed to making sure they can easily access a wide range of support. In addition to our card controls that allow the freezing of gambling transactions we are delighted to have developed a pilot with Gamban offering our customers three months free access to their software, providing another level of protection” Elyn Corfield, Managing Director, Consumer Finance, Lloyds Banking Group</blockquote>Gambling addiction is a complex problem and offering vulnerable customers a multi-layered form of protection is the best approach to help people control gambling activity. By blocking transactions and access to online gambling, people can more effectively tackle their relationship with gambling. Lloyds Banking Group has been working closely with experts in the field of gambling support to ensure that customers have easy access to a wide range of help and support options.<blockquote>"It’s very positive to see forward-thinking banking institutions such as Lloyds Banking Group rise to the challenge of protecting vulnerable customers from gambling addiction through barriers such as spend control and collaboration with market-leading gambling-blocking technology, Gamban." - Jack Symons, Founder, Gamban</blockquote>Initial integration of Gamban within Lloyds Banking Group banking offering was completed towards the end of January 2020 and a significant number of people have already activated the blocking protection, protecting iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS devices from thousands of gambling sites and applications.More information on the Lloyds Bank Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/customer-support/help-with-gambling.asp">https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/customer-support/help-with-gambling.asp</a>More information on the Bank of Scotland Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling.html">https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling.html</a>More information on the Halifax Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/">https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/</a>Find more information on how to block gambling transactions from your bank account <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/block-gambling-transactions">here.</a>

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

We're extremely excited to announce a partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and Gamban, enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax customers access to Gamban.

GambleAware has published an independent evaluation of software packages designed to block access to gambling websites and apps.

Gambleaware’s Decision Was the Result of an Independent Evaluation That Compared Six Different Products

Southampton, 10 October 2018 – Gamban announces that UK based charity GambleAware has selected Gamban’s gambling blocking software as a tool to be available to all clients of the national gambling treatment service.Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware said: “Blocking software can be an effective tool to help those at-risk of getting into difficulties resist the ubiquitous gambling adverts and special offers that surround us these days. This report reinforces the point that such tools work best as part of a treatment package tailored to the individual rather than being effective in isolation. This evaluation gives us the confidence we needed to fund the use of this software for anyone who is referred to our treatment services.”The decision was taken after the publication of an independent evaluation that compared six different software products. In this comparison, Gamban emerged as the most effective solution for blocking access to legal and illegal online gambling sites, achieving as much as 99% success. The published research anonymises the considered packages, but Gamban emerged as the most technologically effective to block licensed and illegal gambling sites.Jack Symons, CEO of Gamban said: “Significant investment and dedication in the development of our software has got us to the point where we’re now world-leading in gambling blocking. We’re delighted that this has been recognised by GambleAware, who will provide Gamban for free to those whose treatment they fund.”Gamban works with gambling operators, businesses, universities, affiliates and third sector organisations to help minimise the problems caused by online gambling.GambleAware’s public announcement can be found <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1814/2018-10-10-blocking-software-evaluation.pdf">here</a>.To read the full report, please follow this <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1813/blocking-software-evaluation-findings-report.pdf">link</a>.About GambleAwareGambleAware is a charity tasked to fund research, education and treatment services to help to reduce gambling-related harms in Great Britain. For additional information, please visit their <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/">website</a>

Announcements

Gamban Partners with the Extern Problem Gambling Project (formerly Problem Gambling Ireland)

Melissa Etherington on The Next Normal: Improved Safeguards for Online Gambling webinar

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

Gambleaware Chooses Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

Announcements

List of Articles

Gamban Partners with the Extern Problem Gambling Project (formerly Problem Gambling Ireland)

Melissa Etherington on The Next Normal: Improved Safeguards for Online Gambling webinar

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

Gambleaware Chooses Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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