Problem Gambling: A Collaborative Endeavour, Says Dr. Jane Rigbye
Collaborative Efforts Initiated by YGAM to Prevent Harmful Impacts
In the heart of Britain's Safer Gambling Week, Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of YGAM, emphasized the power of teamwork in combating problem gambling. This annual event, now in its 5th year, encourages discussion around responsible gaming and sheds light on gambling addiction.
YGAM: More Than Just a Week
Dr. Rigbye stresses that YGAM's mission to safeguard young people from gaming-related harm should extend beyond Safer Gambling Week. While the awareness generated by the campaign is commendable, she highlights the need for continued vigilance and education year-round.
Breaking the Stigma, Building Awareness
Gambling addictions remain shrouded in stigma, making open conversation about its risks and consequences crucial. Rigbye urges a similar approach to discussing gambling as we would alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, emphasizing the importance of education for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
United We Stand, Fractured We Fall
Rigbye underscores the significance of anti-gaming harm charities and organizations working together to minimize harm rates. Though not always in agreement on every issue, these entities share a common goal and should collaborate to maximize their impact.
Education: The Cornerstone of Collaboration
YGAM focuses on educating the public about gaming harm. Consequently, the organization builds meaningful relationships with teachers, youth workers, parents, and health specialists. Through these partnerships, YGAM understands the pivotal role collaboration plays in preventing problem gambling.
Connecting with organizations within the third sector, such as Betknowmore UK, has been instrumental in YGAM's success. Their collaboration aims to provide training for gaming sector employees, helping them identify and assist individuals with addictive tendencies.
Their joint efforts have earned numerous nominations, demonstrating the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in this field. Recognizing the strength of lived experience, Rigbye encourages the industry to draw upon the wealth of expertise available in the third sector.
Lived Experience: A Powerful Perspective
Many of YGAM's trainees have heard firsthand accounts of individuals struggling with gambling harm for the first time. These personal stories prove impactful and serve as a reminder of the real-world consequences that stem from problem gambling. Where utilized appropriately, lived experience can contribute positively to sector improvements.
A Jigsaw of Protection
Dr. Rigbye is proud of YGAM's efforts, acknowledging their role as a small piece of a larger puzzle. She reinforces the need for a collaborative approach, involving the government, regulators, charities, trade bodies, learned individuals, and operators to protect the public.
Behind the Scenes:
While specific details about the impact of Dr. Jane Rigbye and YGAM are not fully disclosed, collaboration is a vital component in reducing gambling harm. Stakeholders from various sectors work together to share resources, expertise, and best practices, fostering strategies for preventive education, intervention, and support services. Examples of such collaborative initiatives include New York State's Responsible Play Partnership, UAlbany's partnership with the New York Council on Problem Gambling, and GambleAware's call for collaboration in the UK.
- Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of YGAM, emphasized the power of teamwork in combating problem gambling during Safer Gambling Week, a week-long event that encourages discussion around responsible gaming and gambling addiction.
- YGAM's mission to safeguard young people from gambling-related harm should extend beyond Safer Gambling Week, according to Dr. Rigbye, as the awareness generated by the campaign is commendable but continued vigilance and education year-round is necessary.
- To address the stigma surrounding gambling addictions and increase awareness, Rigbye urges a similar approach to discussing gambling as we would alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, emphasizing the importance of education for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
- Collaboration between anti-gaming harm charities and organizations can help minimize harm rates, Rigbye suggests, even though these entities may not always agree on every issue, they share a common goal and should collaborate to maximize their impact.
- YGAM focuses on educating the public about gambling harm, building meaningful relationships with educators, youth workers, parents, and health specialists to prevent problem gambling. Collaborative initiatives like New York State's Responsible Play Partnership, UAlbany's partnership with the New York Council on Problem Gambling, and GambleAware's call for collaboration in the UK, demonstrate the value of collaboration in the prevention and management of gambling-related harm.
