This is why we have launched our #ThinkItOver (#TIO) campaign which calls for urgent gambling reform.
We are working towards four simple aims: (1) Legislate to end pervasive better advertising, and the enticements that accompany them, (2) Ensure all non-pervasive betting carries a public health warning, similar to cigarettes, (3) Robust, no-nonsense, notices in any places where bets in the hope of returns are placed, which must clearly display mental health warnings (including online betting platforms), and (4) Support of our Think It Over concept, whereby anyone attempting to place a bet, whatever platform they choose, is subject to a minimum 10-minute cooling off period to re-think their plans and hopefully walk away.
People shouldn’t be bombarded with advertisements to gamble more and enticements, mouth-wateringly worded, need to be banned immediately. This completely takes advantage of people who might be struggling with addiction and mental health. And why is it that when we know gambling leads to deaths, no action is taken to add health warnings? The disparity between physical and mental health is shocking here.
The government and Gambling Commission must hold themselves accountable for the crisis around gambling addiction and mental health challenges and suicide rates. We must be doing more to reduce the shocking numbers of those addicted to gambling – which currently sits at 1.4 million adults and over 100,000 children. As well as more to support those who are trying to seek help, by supporting charities such as SOS Silence of Suicide, which are providing solace for these individuals.
Gambling addiction can have devastating consequences on all aspects of a person’s life, as well as those around them. By putting appropriate measures in place, we can have a significant impact on reducing these instances and finding a way out of this crisis.
SOS Silence of Suicide are calling for people to sign their petition calling for urgent gambling reform: To learn more, please head here.
Yvette Greenway-Mansfield is CEO & co-founder of SOS Silence of Suicide