Author: Ryan D. Jaeger
GamAid is a support system offered to anyone who is affected by problem
gambling. The service is offered in a number of countries and languages and is
considered a multinational platform that offers free assistance to gamblers and
family members alike.
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GamAid is currently found in countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa,
Canada, the United States, Australia, Belgium, China, Spain, Ireland and the
Netherlands, to name just a few.
The initiative was developed by the UK based Datasmith Ltd and has been inspired
by (and responded to the needs of) a number of organizations, including the
Gordon House Association, the Remote Gambling Association and others.
GamAid offers support to anyone with a gambling problem, or anyone who is simply
worried about the gambling activities of family members or friends.
This service offers a number of options for problem gamblers, including its most
successful - online live service for instant, real time, one on one access to
professional help for online gamblers who believe that they are losing control
of their gambling activities.
The service also provides information about responsible gambling, even before
gambling becomes a problem.
GamAid tested out its live aid service for six months before it became official,
and has hosted hundreds of thousands of visits and request for information and
assistance since then.
GamAid launched its live assistance channel a year before the Gambling Act came
into existence in the United Kingdom, and set out to provide a practical way for
gambling operators to fulfil their social responsibilities.
The advice offered online is tailored to a visitor's needs, and could include
anything from one to one consultation through to practical steps in handling a
gambling habit.
Another useful feature of the GamAid site is the fact that it provides online
links to other support services, forums and specialist counselling close to the
visitor's place of residence, no matter where they live in the world.
Visitors also have direct access to a trained advisor who is able to assess his
or her individual needs and start the process of getting any gambling habit -
potential or otherwise - under control.
An active forum board exists where gamblers can post messages and receive
replies to their questions or comments. Sections in this forum include "All
About Me", "Support for Gambling Issues", "Friends and Family", "Suggestions"
and much more. A search engine also helps visitors find their way to relevant
topics on the forum board.
GamAid is independent of all other gambling organizations, although, as noted,
it will provide links to public support agencies around the world whose
intention is to help problem gamblers.
GamAid is a not-for-profit organization; it simply supports and promotes the
development of additional resources where there is a demand for them.
