The Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust and Betknowmore have partnered for a new training scheme.
The UK’s Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and Betknowmore UK have partnered together to launch a training program to help workers in the British gambling market to identify signs of problem gambling.
The safer gambling training is intended to strengthen player protection standards and protect consumers from gambling-related harms.
YGAM and Betknowmore’s training scheme
YGAM and Betknowmore’s new training scheme is made up of six interactive digital training modules which each cover key areas such as customer vulnerability, customer interaction, safeguarding, employee mental health and identifying harms.
The UK charities said the new training scheme modules were developed using “flipped learning” a methodology derived from Neuroscience studies on how the brain learns. The project will be supported by the Canada-based Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) as an independent evaluation partner.
The charities also said that the new training program is relevant to the Gambling Commission’s latest licence conditions and codes of practice. The scheme will also be funded using regulatory settlements that are managed by the UK regulator.
Lee Willows, Chief Executive of YGAM said “Our journey with Betknowmore UK has been humbling. Together we have been fortunate to work with a number of operators to deliver face-to-face training over the last twelve months and so having a strategic alliance to continue this and combine with digital learning seems a good natural progression. Player protection and understanding customer vulnerability is an area we know operators want to upskill their staff in.
“Safer Gambling Training will support the customer-facing teams by increasing their understanding of gambling-related harm through the lens of lived-experience. We are working with international partners to scope an International Standard that colleagues within the sector can take with them throughout their career, and which includes regular mandatory updates and refresher courses.”
Frankie Graham, Chief Executive of Betknowmore said: “Companies operating in the gambling space require trained employees providing consistent, high level and trusted customer service. Our aim with this new training programme is to help raise standards and create a benchmark of knowledge and understanding of gambling-related harm.
“We have developed content with collaboration from those with lived experience of gambling, combined with the insight and knowledge from our partner organisations who are experts within their sector. We will continue to develop our programme, ensuring it remains fit for the changing, dynamic gambling market, with the ultimate purpose of keeping players safe and free from harm.”
Responsible gambling in the UK
The news of the partnership with Betknowmore comes after the UK problem gambling charity, GambleAware, announced it had signed up two new partners to support the next stage of its Bet Regret safer gambling campaign.
The next phase of GambleAware’s campaign will now be supported by the men’s weight loss charity, Man v Fat and Supporters Direct Scotland, a group that aims to help fans gain influence and ownership of their football clubs.
The next phase of the charity’s safer gambling campaign is set to launch in time for the start of the 2020-21 English football season on 12 September.
