Gambless has announced the launch of its new "Play it Safe" campaign amid the reopening of gambling establishments due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Gambling Harm Support Group has been approached by several gambling operators, such as the Hippodrome casino in the UK and LoginBet bookmakers in Italy, who have shown interest in exploring ways they can protect their customers.
Gambless is the first mobile application developed by psychologists that addresses issues related to gambling related issues in a comprehensive manner.
His methods focus on using cognitive behavioral therapy and gestalt therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on and takes responsibility for a person's present circumstances.
The Play It Safe flyers include a self-assessment test on the Addiction Severity Index.
And a free code to access psycho-educational resources in the Gambless app, designed for those considered most at risk of gambling addiction.
According to the leaflet, the estimated number of people in the UK affected by gambling is over 400,000, with another two million considered vulnerable due to gambling-related problems.
However, due to stigma, only about 10,000 people seek treatment for gambling problems each year.
It also highlights the association of problem gamblers with other psychiatric problems, such as depression and anxiety, which were found in more than 70% of those who experienced gambling problems.
Maurizio Savino, CEO of Gambless, spoke about the merits of the campaign: “We hear the words 'safe opening' a lot these days; for gambling establishments, “safe” has a dual meaning – both in terms of sanitation and in terms of responsible gambling.”
“It is important that we all remind ourselves which habits are good and which can become harmful,” he added.
In England and Wales, bookmakers reopened on April 12, and from May 17, casinos and bingo halls are allowed to open in England and Scotland.
However, capacity restrictions remain in place and it is not known if all Covid-related restrictions will be lifted in England from June 21 as planned due to a new variant of Covid-19 that was first detected in India. .