Salvation Army Problem Gambling
- The Salvation Army is backing Labour's demand that greater restrictive powers be granted to local authorities to deal with the problem of gambling addiction. Labour has promised to change laws that limit the power of councils to reduce the number of bookmakers on their high streets if they win the next election, with Miliband saying FOBTs are.
- In some ways this is a segue from my last post since the new providers of the contract with the government funding will be the Salvation Army. The article raises the concern, from the Labour party, that the funding is being transferred due to the Problem Gambling Foundation’s opposition to the Government’s SkyCity convention centre ‘deal’.
Andy, 37, lost his home, friends and partner, due to his addiction to gambling machines. He was unable to get a job due to his addiction after he was made redundant two years ago.
Addictions & Problem Gambling Welcome to The Salvation Army’s addiction services, Bridge and Oasis. Bridge and Oasis provide a range of free. and confidential services to anyone experiencing harm caused by alcohol or other drug use, or gambling.
He first played on a fruit machine at the age of 17 when he won £200. He said: “One big win led me to spend thousands of pounds on gambling machines. I think over the last 20 years I have lost about £30,000 to £35,000 on the machines. I would put £10 in, then it went up to £20, and then £50. When I lost my job due to redundancy as an agency worker two years ago I lied about working night shifts.
“I lied to my partner, to my friends, and I would gamble any money I had in the hope I could make it right again. I started lying about every aspect of my life. I couldn’t get myself into the frame of mind to be able to get a job.
“I was just focused on chasing my losses in the hope of a big win.”
The Salvation Army is so alarmed about the social devastation caused by pokie machines it has decided to reject all funds from the gambling industry. The decision would cost the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army's gambling addiction support service is worried about the increased number of online gambling sites. The head of the organisation's gambling services division, Oasis, said it had.
In March last year things came to a head for Andy, after his relationship with his partner broke down due to her constantly needing to bail him out. He ended up homeless, and decided to end his life by stopping to take the insulin he needed, to treat his type one diabetes.
He said: “My lowest point was when I split up with my partner and the only thing I could control was my insulin. I stopped taking it and the doctor said within five or six hours I would have been dead.”
[Statement: Government announcement on gambling]
This attempt to take his life saw him end up at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital and he eventually found himself at The Salvation Army’s City Road Lifehouse in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The
Salvation Army helped Andy get on to a 24-session NECA course (a charity working with people with addictions). It was recommended that he get himself banned from the betting shops as a self-exclusion measure, as well as changing walking routes to avoid areas with betting shops.
He said: “Self-exclusion works if you’re further down the line and are committed to changing.
“You have to take your photo into the bookies and ask them to ban you. But it wouldn’t have helped me until I got to that point of wanting to recover because I wouldn’t have wanted anything to stop the possibility of my being able to access the machines. There are dozens and dozens of bookies in Newcastle alone, and they all have four machines in. All the time I was in the bookies you see people breaking down, shouting at the machines.”
Andy has now moved out of the Lifehouse and into a Salvation Army flat although he still has support from the Lifehouse. He is now looking to move into independent living accommodation.
Andy is back with his partner but accepts he can’t change the past - he won’t be able to win back the money he’s lost.
For interviews, please contact: Sophie Docker, Media Office, The Salvation Army: 0207 367 4517/0203 657 7555 or email: media@salvationarmy.org.uk
Salvation Army Problem Gambling Addiction
Although most New Zealanders gamble without experiencing any harm, a small minority who participate do suffer some degree of harm and for them the impacts of this can be significant. The TAB is committed to promoting responsible gambling and has various tools and procedures in place to help minimise the potential harm associated with gambling. The TAB aims to educate customers, and to assist them with making good decisions in relation to their gambling. The TAB wants all of its customers to follow these tips to help stay in control.
If you think that you, or someone you know, may be experiencing issues with gambling, here are some behavioural signs to look out for:
Mood swings or outbursts brought on by gambling
Attempting to hide gambling from family or friends, or being dishonest about gambling
Trying to borrow money for the purpose of gambling more
Gambling for long periods without taking a break, or prioritising gambling over other commitments
Gambling most days of the week
Chasing gambling losses
Setting a limit, but not being able to stick to it
Gambling is no longer a source of fun and is causing regret or distress
If you recognise some of these signs, and think that you or someone you know might need help, know that it is available right now.
Free and confidential support and counselling services are available through the Gambling Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655. You can also text the Gambling Helpline at any time on 8006.
The Gambling Helpline is a national, dedicated helpline service where trained staff can provide guidance, support and information. The Gambling Helpline also has specialist services available including the Maori Gambling Helpline, the Pasifika Gambling Helpline, the Youth Gambling Helpline, and the Debt Gambling Helpline.
Places where you can find more information
Gambling Helpline New Zealand
Choicenotchance.org.nz
Problem Gambling Foundation NZ
The Salvation Army Oasis
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TAB Tools that can help
For most customers betting on racing and sports or playing gaming machines is a fun, safe and exciting pastime, however we recognise that for a small percentage of people it may become a problem.
The TAB has a range of support measures to promote responsible gambling to customers and ensure betting remains a safe and fun activity.
Here are some of the tools available to help customers manage their gambling:
Set Your Limits - Accessible at all times through the account dashboard - account customers are able to set specific spending limits across a defined period. A mandatory 'cool down' period applies before these limits can be increased or removed. If you would like to discuss additional options in relation to spending limits, including setting limits over a different time period, please contact our helpdesk on 0800 102 106 for assistance.
Decreasing your Limits - Limits placed on your account can be lowered at any time. To lower your limits, navigate to the Set Your Limits section of the account dashboard and enter the amount you want to reduce your limit to.
Increasing Your Limits - Your limits cannot be increased without triggering a mandatory stand down period. These periods are designed to ensure you cannot act on a spur of the moment decision to increase or remove your limit. Daily limits trigger a mandatory 24 hour stand down. Limits greater than a day will trigger a mandatory 7 day stand down period. No person (including TAB staff) can override a stand down period.
Take A Break - Also accessible at all times through the account dashboard - account customers are able to elect to 'take a break' from their TAB account for a specified period. Where a customer elects to take a break, they will not be able to access their account for the break period or place any bets through their account. Additionally, when a customer takes a break, the TAB will not send marketing material or information to the email address registered against the TAB account.
Removal From Promotional Emails - When you elect to Take A Break, your TAB Account will automatically be converted to ‘No Promotion Material’ for the period of your break. Meaning you will not receive any promotional content from the TAB for the duration of your break period. Additionally, you can (at any time) elect to unsubscribe from receiving TAB promotional material (even without utilising the Take a Break feature). This can be done via the Account Dashboard or by electing to unsubscribe from within any TAB promotional email you receive.
TAB Account Only Exclusion - It is possible to exclude yourself from betting via TAB Account only. If you do not wish to exclude from all TAB services, but think that a TAB Account Only Exclusion could help you better manage your betting, please contact [email protected].
Multi Venue Self Exclusion Programme - The TAB runs a retail exclusion programme for both its Class 4 (Pokie Machine) and TAB wagering sites. The exclusion programme allows customers to block themselves from entering and gambling at any TAB venues in the country. Information regarding the exclusion programme is available in store, or call our helpdesk on 0800 102 106 for more information.
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TAB’s responsible gambling programme
As one of the four major gambling providers in New Zealand, the TAB has a responsibility to minimise harm associated with its products. The responsibility extends beyond the requirements set out under the Racing and Gambling Act 2003. The TAB goes beyond the standards set out in legislation in many significant ways.
In conducting its business the TAB strives to exhibit a sense of social responsibility by having regard to the communities in which it operates. This is a continuous and evolving process that develops in tandem with research evidence, population needs, and the development of new tools and technology. As part of this process, the TAB is committed to:
Working in partnership with health and help service providers to ensure our responsible gambling initiatives achieve the best possible harm minimisation outcomes;
Trialing and implementing new and emerging technology that is aimed at making the gambling environment safer for the customer;
Reviewing processes, procedures, and commitments to identify areas where our responsible gambling programme can be improved.
If you require further information about the TAB’s Responsible Gambling programme, please contact [email protected].
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Salvation Army Problem Gambling Rules
Responsible Gambling Forms