The ‘Safer Gambling Training Leaders Pledge’ has been launched by prominent charities YGAM and Betknowmore and will see industry Chief Executives and Directors complete specialist training programmes on player protection and harm prevention every day during the campaign week.
Industry leaders will complete five online modules during the week covering important topics including customer vulnerability, mental health, safeguarding, customer interaction, and support services.
The training combines specialist knowledge, insight, and research to create one of the most advanced comprehensive training programmes currently on the market. The content has been informed by lived experience and is relevant to the latest LCCP requirements. The training has been awarded the prestigious City & Guilds Assured status following a robust evaluation process meaning everyone who completes the programmes will receive formal certification.
Niall O’Connor works for YGAM as part of the Safer Gambling Training team. He welcomed the positive response from the industry saying “We are pleased to see so many industry leaders committing to this training during Safer Gambling Week. It is really encouraging to see Chief Executives and Directors from across the industry getting involved including representatives from the Rank Group, Gamesys, Playtech, Broadway Gaming and many more. We’re looking forward to building on this to support more customer-facing teams to protect customers and prevent harm.”
Mark Allen, Chief Executive of The A & S Leisure Group Ltd who run Napoleons Casinos said “As Chief Executive, I am delighted to be taking part in this important initiative to enhance my company’s knowledge regarding safer gambling.”
Ciara Lally, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Lottoland said “The leadership team at Lottoland are delighted to support this initiative during Safer Gambling Week. We are committed to safer gambling and this evidence-led training cover some really important topics that will help us continue to improve our player protection work.”
Ian Ince, Chief Compliance Officer at Playtech said “We are pleased to be working with YGAM and Betknowmore UK to deploy this new, comprehensive training programme. This learning programme will play an integral role in enhancing the skills of our colleagues to reduce gambling-related harm and safeguard players as well as helping to raise standards across the industry.”
All profits generated from the ‘Safer Gambling Training Leaders Pledge’ will be directed back into the YGAM and Betknowmore charities to support their social purpose.
Day 1 – Understanding customer vulnerability in a gambling environment. The aim of this programme is to raise awareness of customer vulnerability, in order to support your organisation’s own Safer Gambling initiatives. Learners will explore what is meant by vulnerability, why it is important to recognise it, and how this can help your organisation in fulfilling its corporate responsibilities.
Day 2 – Understanding gambling-related harms. This programme explores gambling-related harms within the context of the individuals, families and communities in Part A. Learners will understand the factors that can make people more vulnerable to gambling-related harms and how recreational gambling can get out of control. Part B is told through the eyes of Joe and his journey through gambling addiction. Learners will be introduced to the work of psychologist Dr Custer to help identify gambling-related harms in customers.
Day 3 – Understanding safeguarding and managing welfare. This 2 part programme is designed to give learners the information and confidence to identify safeguarding and welfare issues, exploring legal responsibilities within the gambling industry. Safeguarding at-risk groups focus on safeguarding issues for children, young people and adults at risk who need to be referred to social services or the police in an emergency.
Day 4 – Enhanced skills for customer interaction. Great communication skills are key to ensuring that customers are safe. You will discover what is meant by enhanced skills for customer interaction and explore ways to have better and more meaningful communications with customers.
Day 5 – Awareness of gambling support services. The aim of this programme is to give you the knowledge needed to signpost vulnerable customers towards help and support. Learners will explore the organisations that support gamblers and the protections that are available to help customers take control when gambling becomes disordered.
If you are interested in completing the Safer Gambling Training programmes then please visit www.safergamblingtraining.com.
