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<p>A variety of initiatives are in place across the gambling regulatory framework
and health services to protect individuals and the public from harmful gambling and
raise awareness of its risks.</p><p>The Gambling Commission requires all gambling
operators to make information available to customers on how to gamble safely and how
to access information on problem gambling and the support available. Most operators
signpost to the charity GambleAware’s begambleaware.org site, which contains a wide
range of information on risks as well as links to advice and support, including the
24 hour National Gambling Helpline. The NHS webpage 'Help for problem gambling' covers
common indicators which suggest that individuals may be experiencing harmful gambling,
and the NHS Live Well page on gambling has been updated, providing information on
gambling-related harms and signposting to sources of support.</p><p>The Department
for Health and Social Care is also taking steps to improve and expand specialist treatment
services available for people with a gambling addiction. Under the NHS Long Term Plan,
£15m has been committed to establish 15 clinics by 2023/24. Seven specialist clinics
are already open and accepting patients. DHSC has committed to undertake an audit
of gambling-related harm training materials for healthcare professionals to build
capability in the healthcare workforce.</p><p>There have also been a number of recent
voluntary and regulatory initiatives to reduce the visibility of gambling around major
sporting events. The gambling industry’s ‘whistle-to-whistle’ ban, prevents gambling
ads from airing during and immediately before or after live sports coverage before
9pm. Further to this, the Advertising Standards Authority recently implemented tough
new rules banning content with ‘strong appeal to children’ from gambling ads, including
top-flight and UK national team footballers. GambleAware have also launched a new
phase of their ‘Bet Regret’ campaign for the tournament providing increased signposting
to support for gambling harm around the 2022 World Cup.</p><p>Evidence on the impacts
of gambling advertising, including sponsorship around sports, is being closely considered
as part of the government's Review of the Gambling Act. A white paper will be published
in the coming weeks outlining our conclusions and next steps.</p>
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