Ladbrokes launches helpline programme

One of the country’s largest betting chains has launched a programme to help problem gamblers.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Programme has been launched by Ladbrokes and is based on a similar model operated by the chain in the UK for the past eight years.

A freephone helpline (00 800 33 669 966) has been set up to link problem gamblers with GamCare, a UK-based organisation which provides on the spot help and advice to people with gambling problems and their families.

The number will be advertised on posters in the chain’s 134 shops in this country.

The programme includes a service whereby gamblers can sign a self-exclusion form requesting Ladbrokes staff to bar them from entering their betting offices.

There is also provision for those who bet online to sign a form to ensure they are unable to gamble over the internet.

Paul Bellinger , the former chief executive of GamCare said he hoped the initiative would be picked up by the Government and used to tackle all forms of problem gambling in this country

“It is a fact of life that some people suffer problems with gaming and it is incumbent on the gaming industry to recognise this fact and support those who have difficulty staying in control,” he said.