by Renee Israel
A problem gambling information hub has been commissioned by the
Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) to provide online information and research on
many areas related to problem gambling in the UK.
The RGF has commissioned web developer Electric Putty to build the UK online
problem gambling information hub, which is expected to go live in February 2012.
It will offer online assistance in terms of the policy, treatment, education and
statistics of problem gambling in the UK.
Researchers of UK problem gambling will be able to use the site to gather
information using the most up-to-date articles and publications. Documents on
current policy will also be accessible.
Treatment providers will have access to practice guidance, evaluations of
services and statistics related to problem gambling and its prevalence. This
will be available for those currently providing treatment to problem gamblers,
as well as those not currently providing treatment. The information will also be
relevant to those referring problem gamblers to treatment services, such as GPs
and debt advice agencies.
The most up-to-date statistics on problem gambling will be available for
policy makers, including government, regulators and local organisations. It will
also provide regulatory documents and outlines of useful topics.
For those working in the areas of prevention and education, there will be
information on current practice and evaluation, as well as information regarding
identified need and regulations that may be considered.
About the Responsible Gambling Fund
The Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) was launched in 2009 as a charity that
offers critical services related to gambling. It offers support for research,
education and treatment in the subject of gambling and provides funds for these
areas as they relate to gambling.
The RGF aims to provide assistance and relief to those who are vulnerable as
a result of gambling, focusing on advice and counselling services. It also aims
to provide education to the public by researching gambling and problem gambling.
It looks at the areas of treatment, as well as statistics and research on the
subject.
RGF is regularly involved in research projects and critical reviews with the
intention of gaining further understanding into issues related to the area of
gambling. In 2010, RGF commission a critical review of current research which it
published as the 'Map the Gap' report. The aim of the report was to map the gaps
in knowledge that policy makers in the UK have when they make decisions on
problem gambling. Important information and research will be available on the
online problem gambling information hub that is being designed.
