Safer Gambling Training, developed by the charities YGAM (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust) and Betknowmore UK, aims to elevate the standards of player protection within the gambling industry. These organizations leverage real-life experience to create training that aligns with the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). The initiative encompasses six detailed programs addressing crucial areas such as understanding customer vulnerability, managing welfare, customer interaction, and signposting to support services.
Endorsement and Accessibility
John White, Chief Executive of bacta, expresses pride in collaborating with YGAM and Betknowmore UK to offer this training through the bactaPortal. This portal aims to be indispensable for arcade businesses by eliminating paper operations and providing essential tools like AV testing logs and crime alerts. White emphasizes that the bactaPortal will not only house comprehensive training but also expand to include various operational tools, making it a must-have for the sector.
Benefits of the bactaPortal
The bactaPortal offers significant advantages by allowing gambling settings to maintain paperless records, host training modules, and store useful data. It is accessible to all, with bacta members benefiting from subsidized pricing. Since its launch in April 2021, the two charities have sold over 14,500 training programs. Each program is designed for online completion, with an estimated duration of one hour per module.
Presence at EAG Conference
The Safer Gambling Team plans to attend the EAG conference in London from March 1-3. Their goal is to engage with delegates about the facility and demonstrate how to access the training. This presence is part of a broader effort to promote the program and encourage more industry sectors to invest in the City and Guilds Assured Safer Gambling Training.
Charitable Impact and Industry Support
Ian Shanahan, YGAM’s Director of Business Development and Fundraising, appreciates bacta’s commitment, highlighting that support from influential trade associations is crucial for the charity’s mission. Profits from the training programs are reinvested into the charities to further their social objectives.
Frankie Graham, Chief Executive of Betknowmore UK, echoes this sentiment, underscoring that sector-wide commitment to training and enhanced learning is vital for preventing gambling-related harms.
Understanding Customer Vulnerability
One of the core elements of the Safer Gambling Training is understanding customer vulnerability. This program educates industry professionals on identifying and managing vulnerable individuals. By recognizing signs of distress or problematic behavior, staff can intervene appropriately, offering support and resources to mitigate potential harm.
Managing Welfare
The welfare management module provides strategies for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for customers. It covers techniques for creating a positive atmosphere and ensuring that customers feel valued and cared for. This approach not only enhances customer experience but also promotes responsible gambling practices.
Customer Interaction
Effective communication with customers is crucial in the gambling industry. The training emphasizes how to interact with customers in a manner that promotes trust and transparency. Staff are taught to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that customers feel understood and supported.
Signposting to Support Services
A vital component of the training is guiding customers towards appropriate support services. Staff are trained to recognize when a customer may need additional help and how to refer them to organizations that can provide the necessary support. This proactive approach is essential in preventing and addressing gambling-related issues.
Training Completion and Impact
Each program within the Safer Gambling Training takes approximately an hour to complete online, making it accessible and manageable for busy professionals. The training’s impact is significant, as evidenced by the sale of over 14,500 programs since its inception. This widespread adoption indicates a growing commitment within the industry to promote safer gambling practices.
The collaboration between YGAM, Betknowmore UK, and bacta highlights the importance of comprehensive training in enhancing player protection. By offering these programs through the bactaPortal, the initiative ensures that industry professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to support vulnerable customers and promote responsible gambling.
The continued development and expansion of the bactaPortal will further solidify its role as an essential resource for the gambling sector, fostering a safer and more responsible environment for all.