MORAY’S BETTING SHOPS are from today taking part in a national drive to ensure that new mandatory alerts on cash spent are being adhered to.
The drive is part of ‘Gamble Aware Week’ and will see staff ensure that gamblers are clear on the cash and time they are playing electronic gaming machines.
Shops throughout the region will be displaying Gambling Aware Week p0osters – with the main message, never bet more than you can afford to lose, the clear advice being offered. Visitors will be urged to set a limit – and stick to it, take regular breaks away from machines and speak to a member of staff if they need advice.
The posters and in-shop leaflets also include details of the Gamble Aware website for those concerned about their gambling and seeking help.
New mandatory alerts for gaming machine players on what they are spending and the time they are playing for will be introduced. From this week, alerts will appear on screen after someone has spent £150 or played for 20 minutes. This compares to the £250 and 30 minute alerts previously in place.
Malcolm George, Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers said: “We are really pleased to launch this year’s Gamble Aware Week, which emphasises the importance the bookmaking industry places on encouraging our customers to bet safely and responsibly.
“Betting shops offer the safest place to gamble. We want all our customers to enjoy their leisure time in our shops and our clear advice will help them do that.
“All of our 170 staff working in the Highlands and Moray are committed to putting responsible gambling at the heart of all we do, and Gamble Aware Week is a key element of that commitment.
“The introduction of the new mandatory alerts on gaming machines are an important part of our wider responsible gambling agenda and will help customers to monitor and balance their leisure experience.
“The new alerts are on top of the existing options for all players to set their own limits on spend and time on gaming machines and taken together are a major step forward in our commitment to responsible gambling.”
The GamCare helpline offers confidential advice and support on 0808 8020 133.