SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Betting shops in Chinatown are supporting an initiative by GamCare to offer multi-lingual counselling and treatment programmes for anyone encountering difficulty with their gambling.
The service, which is provided by GamCare and ‘The Chinese National Healthy Living Centre’ (CNHLC), means confidential counselling services are provided by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors who speak the languages represented in the local community.
Counselling is available in Cantonese, Mandarin or in English, and is offered along with other health and wellbeing services.
People wishing to use the service can choose either face to face, webcam or telephone counselling. The service itself is based in Soho Square. All betting shops in the area are promoting the initiative with posters (attached) on display and staff are on hand to direct people who may need help.
Malcolm George, Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers, said: “This is a really important initiative, which will ensure people who need help can get it. This project breaks down barriers within the communities the shops serve.
“GamCare rightly have a reputation for ensuring those who need treatment for their gambling problems get the right help in the right way, and their work with the Chinese National Healthy Living Centre is another example of that in operation.”
“Betting shops are the safest place to gamble, and work like this goes a long way to ensuring that remains the case.”
Dirk Hansen, Gamcare, said: “I am pleased that betting shops, and other gambling venues in the local area are joining with us to promote our work with the CNHLC. This programme is designed to reach people in their own language, as we want everyone who needs help to know that support is on hand for them and for their families.”
