by Renee Israel
New GamCare president, Lord Sharman spoke at GamCare's 14th annual
conference in his first address as the new president of the respected UK
registered problem gambling charity.
In his opening address, Lord Sharman described his vision for the next three
years of the organisation and spoke about the new funding agreements that
GamCare is involved in.
Lord Sharman was appointed as GamCare president in June this year, taking
over the position which was previously held by Andrew McIntosh, who after five
years at the helm, passed away in August.
The GamCare conference was held on Thursday, November 3 at the IET Savoy
Palace in London, with a primary theme of 'Extending Partnerships'. It was open
to all professionals involved in the issues of player protection and responsible
gaming, as well as those involved in gambling, media, public health, clinical
and academics.
Sharman Discussed Agreement between GamCare and GREaT
As part of the GamCare president's address, Lord Sharman discussed the
funding agreement between GamCare and GREaT (Gambling, Research, Education and
Treatment) foundation, as well as his plans for the future of the organisation.
"We in GamCare are clear about what can be achieved and we have set
ourselves a new and challenging target,' he said. "Our aim is that by 2015 all
adults who choose to gamble and all teenagers and their parents should know how
to gamble responsibly and everyone affected by gambling should have and know how
to get access to information, advice and locally-delivered treatment.
"We believe our vision and aims are shared by the industry, by GREaT and by
Government. Most importantly, their realisation will benefit everyone who is
adversely affected by gambling which has got out of control," he continued.
Other speakers at the GamCare conference included Neil Goulden, GREaT
Foundation Chairman, Dominic Harrison, CEO of Business in Sport and Leisure and
Andy McLellan, CEO of GamCare. They too were optimistic for the coming years in
terms of promoting responsible gambling and targeting problem gambling.
John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage at the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport said, "I am very pleased to see that the industry and
the charities involved - the GREaT Foundation and GamCare - are rising to the
challenge I set: to put in place an effective, voluntary system for encouraging
responsible gambling, identifying and reducing the risks of gambling, and
helping people affected by gambling.
"The speed with which agreement was reached by all to safeguard and develop
the national helpline was impressive, and I hope we can make similar, quick
progress on treatment, education and prevention as well," he concluded.
