Summary:
On a tour of UK universities, the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme, GAMSTOP, has collaborated with The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and gambling addiction self-help app, RecoverMe. The Gambling Support University Tour will visit universities across the UK in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of problem gambling.
GAMSTOP, the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme, is on a tour of UK universities with RecoverMe, a gambling addiction self help app, and The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust.
In order to raise awareness of the dangers of problem gambling and to let students know of the resources that are available to them, the Gambling Support University Tour will be visiting universities across the UK. All three will hold talks with students about their services and answer questions about problem gambling.
YGAM will provide free gambling harms prevention training to staff members and student union leaders at each of the universities on the tour. This will allow staff to identify the signs of gambling harm and identify students that need assistance.
A survey shows that 80% of students have gambled with 40% saying that gambling had a negative impact on their student lives. Failing to hand in coursework on time and missing lectures were included in this. More than 20% of those surveyed admitted to using part of their student loan to gamble.
Jimmy Parkin is the University and Student Engagement Director at YGAM.
The recent survey findings reiterate the importance of educating our young adults on the risks and harms associated with gambling, and students are a key group for us. The university tour is the first of it’s kind. We hope that by collaborating with GAMSTOP and RecoverMe, we will be able to give students access to the information, resources and support they need to enjoy a university experience free from gambling-related harms.
The Head of Marketing and Communications at GAMSTOP isKatie Reynolds-Jones.
It is important that we understand students and ensure that we are reaching them effectively, because over half of those signing up to GAMSTOP are between the ages of 18 and 34. Students need to be aware of the free tools and support that are available to them, and we are delighted to be taking part in this important initiative.
The co- founder of RecoverMe was Dr Adil Nayeem.
The student population can be a high-risk group for gambling-related harm according to the recent survey findings. RecoverMe was created after one of our friends at university struggled with a gambling addiction and did not know where to turn. We will be visiting university campuses throughout the UK to speak to students and engage with staff. We can support students and help reduce gambling-related harm by collaborating with these great organizations.
The tour will start in November in universities in the UK.