Our Public Information Campaign

1 00:00:11,919 → 00:00:14,560 PG Solutions Group are a non-profit community 2 00:00:14,560 → 00:00:17,280 interest company based in the southwest of England. 3 00:00:18,160 → 00:00:20,000 We receive funding through the regulatory 4 00:00:20,000 → 00:00:21,960 settlement scheme at the Gambling Commission.

5 00:00:23,120 → 00:00:27,160 The funding was granted not only because we're working on a socially good cause, 6 00:00:27,760 → 00:00:32,240 but because we are recognised for our ongoing work in harms reduction.

7 00:00:33,479 → 00:00:38,399 PGS deliver digital solutions, using today's advanced 8 00:00:38,399 → 00:00:41,799 technologies to reach hundreds of thousands of people. 9 00:00:42,880 → 00:00:47,079 In our video today are Peter, who leads on business strategy and product design, 10 00:00:48,079 → 00:00:51,479 and Jo, that's me, Project Management and Communication.

11 00:00:52,600 → 00:00:55,280 But on behalf of all those working and contributing to the 12 00:00:55,280 → 00:00:59,079 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... project, we thank you for your time. 13 00:01:00,159 → 00:01:00,439 Peter.

14 00:01:00,520 → 00:01:01,880 Thank you, Jo. 15 00:01:03,039 → 00:01:05,680 It's my job in this video to redefine an 16 00:01:05,680 → 00:01:08,120 issue which often drifts into our consciousness, 17 00:01:08,519 → 00:01:11,079 but more often than not is quickly 18 00:01:11,079 → 00:01:14,400 overshadowed by the next bigger or latest news story.

19 00:01:15,719 → 00:01:20,519 Now, because we're shedding new light on an existing problem, 20 00:01:20,959 → 00:01:24,280 we believe it's incumbent upon us to also 21 00:01:24,280 → 00:01:28,439 provide an answer, a workable solution to that problem. 22 00:01:29,480 → 00:01:31,680 And that's what we've done in this video.

23 00:01:33,599 → 00:01:37,359 So before I get on with it, let me say, for 24 00:01:37,359 → 00:01:40,159 those of you with busy schedules and limited time, 25 00:01:40,799 → 00:01:43,760 we've kept things as concise as we can. 26 00:01:44,560 → 00:01:48,439 Still, it is important to understand this video 27 00:01:48,439 → 00:01:53,439 really is for everyone because it concerns everyone. 28 00:01:55,519 → 00:01:58,560 Now, let me set the scene.

29 00:01:59,719 → 00:02:00,280 This scene. 30 00:02:01,400 → 00:02:04,120 Yes, I was at a party recently. 31 00:02:04,879 → 00:02:06,760 There were about 40 of us there altogether. 32 00:02:07,799 → 00:02:09,400 Everyone knew each other well. 33 00:02:10,280 → 00:02:14,360 And at one point, a friend came up to me and started a conversation.

34 00:02:15,280 → 00:02:17,479 Pete, how's your work with your Safer Gambling project going? 35 00:02:17,960 → 00:02:18,599 Bring me up to speed.

36 00:02:20,520 → 00:02:24,000 I gave him a quick update on progress since we last 37 00:02:24,000 → 00:02:27,080 met and then offered to change the subject as, well, 38 00:02:27,439 → 00:02:28,280 this was a party.

39 00:02:29,080 → 00:02:32,360 No, no, please tell me more. I am genuinely interested in what you're doing.

40 00:02:33,439 → 00:02:37,960 And he was because he asked a lot of searching questions. 41 00:02:38,400 → 00:02:41,319 In fact, we talked at length and when the 42 00:02:41,319 → 00:02:45,439 conversation came to a natural end, he finished by saying,

43 00:02:46,479 → 00:02:49,120 "Well, that really is very interesting, Pete. But I have 44 00:02:49,120 → 00:02:52,520 to say, I just don't know anybody with a gambling problem."

45 00:02:53,599 → 00:02:54,000 You do. 46 00:02:55,479 → 00:02:57,080 You just don't know you do.

47 00:02:59,479 → 00:03:03,520 Now, let me tell you about this guy here. 48 00:03:04,479 → 00:03:05,840 I'll call him Ben. 49 00:03:07,520 → 00:03:09,719 There he is, full view, chatting away. 50 00:03:10,280 → 00:03:11,759 Ben is a very popular guy. 51 00:03:12,479 → 00:03:16,879 He's known to everyone at the party and indeed very good friends with most.

52 00:03:19,199 → 00:03:22,319 But Ben is in trouble. 53 00:03:23,479 → 00:03:27,039 He's struggling with a very serious gambling problem. 54 00:03:28,759 → 00:03:33,879 But his gambling is hidden and no one knows except me.

55 00:03:35,759 → 00:03:38,159 So why doesn't anyone know?

56 00:03:39,479 → 00:03:43,479 Now, before I go any further, let me say, both 57 00:03:43,479 → 00:03:45,639 people shown here at the party are white males. 58 00:03:46,199 → 00:03:50,080 That's because this example is based on a true incident. 59 00:03:51,840 → 00:03:56,080 That said, from this point on, everything that I and my 60 00:03:56,080 → 00:04:00,639 co-presenters say, every point made, every statistic shown, 61 00:04:01,879 → 00:04:08,439 encompasses society as we know it, multicultural, diverse and inclusive.

62 00:04:09,479 → 00:04:16,920 So, back to that question. Why doesn't anybody know?

63 00:04:18,240 → 00:04:21,000 Now, I'm certain that most people, and very 64 00:04:21,000 → 00:04:25,079 possibly you, do know somebody with a gambling problem. 65 00:04:26,000 → 00:04:30,639 And why do I say that? Well, it's a numbers game. Let me explain.

66 00:04:32,720 → 00:04:36,439 Approximately 15 to 16 million of us Brits are gambling regularly. 67 00:04:36,480 → 00:04:39,839 And that doesn't include the National Lottery.

68 00:04:41,240 → 00:04:43,879 I should say at this point that the world of gambling is diverse. 69 00:04:44,600 → 00:04:48,720 But for simplicity, we use the terms gambling, gambler 70 00:04:48,720 → 00:04:53,079 or player as a cover all in the points we want to make.

71 00:04:56,279 → 00:05:00,199 With those numbers, we must all know somebody who is gambling today. 72 00:05:01,519 → 00:05:05,800 And from the players viewpoint, each of the 15 to 16 million 73 00:05:05,800 → 00:05:10,399 people gambling will have family, friends, work colleagues, 74 00:05:11,279 → 00:05:16,000 and from the family and friends viewpoint, they too have friends themselves. 75 00:05:16,600 → 00:05:22,720 And so the network grows and grows. And of course, we 76 00:05:22,720 → 00:05:27,040 have our 15 to 16 million gamblers also in that same network. 77 00:05:27,480 → 00:05:32,720 They too are in the mix. This is our society 78 00:05:32,720 → 00:05:37,759 today. And more to the point, this is our culture today.

79 00:05:40,000 → 00:05:44,160 In truth, in our many strands of life, it's likely we 80 00:05:44,160 → 00:05:47,319 all know more than one person gambling regularly. 81 00:05:48,439 → 00:05:51,720 But whether we are aware of it is another matter. 82 00:05:52,879 → 00:05:55,920 Many people keep their gambling hidden under the 83 00:05:55,920 → 00:06:00,000 radar of public knowledge, even to family and friends.

84 00:06:01,600 → 00:06:06,199 So, we've established it's likely we all know 85 00:06:06,199 → 00:06:10,360 people gambling, whether or not we recognise it. 86 00:06:11,439 → 00:06:16,439 So the obvious question is, why should this concern us, concern you?

87 00:06:17,480 → 00:06:23,879 It should concern us all, both as individuals and as members of society. 88 00:06:24,560 → 00:06:30,000 That's because a percentage of those playing, like Ben, are harmed by their 89 00:06:30,000 → 00:06:35,720 gambling, some severely, some very severely.

90 00:06:36,560 → 00:06:38,240 The fact that they are largely hidden means 91 00:06:38,240 → 00:06:42,199 that we don't see them or hear them or notice them. 92 00:06:43,720 → 00:06:46,040 Therefore, exclude them from our 93 00:06:46,040 → 00:06:50,920 consciousness. And that should worry us on two counts. 94 00:06:52,279 → 00:06:58,079 On a personal level and in our private lives, are things going on right under our 95 00:06:58,079 → 00:07:03,000 nose that we should be aware of and just don't recognise them? 96 00:07:04,480 → 00:07:08,240 And as a society, how much is hidden gambling harm 97 00:07:08,240 → 00:07:11,879 underpinning other areas of welfare concern?

98 00:07:11,879 → 00:07:17,360 Mental health, stress, relationship problems, and of 99 00:07:17,360 → 00:07:24,399 course, money worries. At what scale and at what cost?

100 00:07:26,360 → 00:07:28,720 And so, to the bigger picture. 101 00:07:30,680 → 00:07:33,040 What does gambling harm cost our society? 102 00:07:34,439 → 00:07:38,319 The UK Health Security Agency estimates that the annual 103 00:07:38,319 → 00:07:44,560 economic burden of harmful gambling is approximately 1.27 billion. 104 00:07:46,319 → 00:07:50,560 Now, let's look at the thing that really concerns 105 00:07:50,560 → 00:07:56,279 you and me. The cost of gambling harm in human terms.

106 00:07:58,480 → 00:08:02,879 According to NHS figures, over 400,000 in England 107 00:08:02,879 → 00:08:08,000 alone are problem gamblers with 2 million people 'at risk'. 108 00:08:09,040 → 00:08:17,279 A Public Health England study estimates there are more than 409 suicides a year in 109 00:08:17,279 → 00:08:21,000 England associated with problem gambling. 110 00:08:23,319 → 00:08:25,279 A House of Lords Select Committee report 111 00:08:25,279 → 00:08:32,440 estimates 55,000 problem gamblers are aged 11 to 16.

112 00:08:33,519 → 00:08:35,720 They're children.

113 00:08:35,720 → 00:08:40,879 The same report states for each problem gambler six other people, 114 00:08:40,879 → 00:08:47,159 a total of 2 million, are harmed as 'affected others'. 115 00:08:49,360 → 00:08:51,600 Now, let me say at this point that because of the 116 00:08:51,600 → 00:08:55,200 hidden nature of gambling, accurate data is hard to come by. 117 00:08:56,440 → 00:08:59,000 Statistics and classifications are the biggest 118 00:08:59,000 → 00:09:01,960 bone of contention between interested parties. 119 00:09:01,960 → 00:09:06,639 But for now, let me highlight the estimated range 120 00:09:06,639 → 00:09:10,639 of problem gambling and the 2 million people at risk. 121 00:09:12,039 → 00:09:15,879 And use them to focus attention on the underlying points.

122 00:09:17,440 → 00:09:25,000 I'm going to bring back our 15 to 16 million graph and combine the two like this. 123 00:09:25,120 → 00:09:32,440 Now, there is a view shared by some that this in 124 00:09:32,440 → 00:09:35,799 itself is only a small percentage of those gambling today. 125 00:09:36,919 → 00:09:43,200 Their point being that for everyone who is not in this small group is, 126 00:09:43,200 → 00:09:46,000 by definition, happy and enjoying their gambling. 127 00:09:47,039 → 00:09:52,639 This is a very polarised view. That's like saying 128 00:09:52,639 → 00:09:56,200 if it's not black, by definition, it must be white. 129 00:09:57,799 → 00:10:01,039 We believe this graph to be many shades of grey.

130 00:10:02,039 → 00:10:07,360 Anecdotal evidence given to us from active players strongly suggests the tipping 131 00:10:07,360 → 00:10:14,840 point into harm is much lower down the graph, creating a very large, bulged middle. 132 00:10:17,159 → 00:10:19,720 We will return to this a little later.

133 00:10:20,879 → 00:10:26,759 So, what is being done at national level to combat gambling harm? 134 00:10:28,320 → 00:10:32,679 It should be recognised that our legislators, regulators and public health bodies 135 00:10:32,679 → 00:10:36,600 are reacting, but in no small part due to the 136 00:10:36,600 → 00:10:40,000 continued pressure from campaign groups and lobbyists. 137 00:10:41,039 → 00:10:47,799 Legislators, commissions and health bodies have a duty to protect public money. 138 00:10:49,120 → 00:10:52,000 Therefore, they must adopt the protocols of good 139 00:10:52,000 → 00:10:56,759 governance, rules, controls and accountability. 140 00:10:58,360 → 00:11:02,000 They need evidence to protect our public finances.

141 00:11:03,639 → 00:11:06,320 Let's take a look at evidence. Evidence as a fundamental 142 00:11:06,320 → 00:11:12,799 part of governance. It's a process. And the process is this.

143 00:11:13,679 → 00:11:16,799 First, recognise the problem is large enough to 144 00:11:16,799 → 00:11:21,720 warrant the work. Gather the evidence. Analyse the evidence. 145 00:11:22,759 → 00:11:26,759 Report the findings. Next is the consultation 146 00:11:26,759 → 00:11:30,519 period, followed by the agreement to action. 147 00:11:32,240 → 00:11:36,960 And finally, finally, actual implementation.

148 00:11:39,759 → 00:11:45,039 Now, it can be clearly seen that the evidence-gathering chain of events is a long, 149 00:11:45,279 → 00:11:49,480 drawn-out process, especially when put into a timeline. 150 00:11:51,759 → 00:11:58,480 Now, let's put the spotlight on the same timeline, but from the players viewpoint.

151 00:12:00,799 → 00:12:06,840 It's clear, nothing is happening. I can gamble day after day, month on month, year 152 00:12:06,840 → 00:12:15,399 on year. Also, new, often young people are starting to gamble day upon day. 153 00:12:17,120 → 00:12:23,720 And the problem with that is the risk of harm is ever-present. And that harm, as we 154 00:12:23,720 → 00:12:30,879 can see here, is a wide spectrum of harm between two extreme points.

155 00:12:33,320 → 00:12:37,480 You'll remember the bulged middle. I'm going to put 156 00:12:37,480 → 00:12:41,519 the spectrum of harm inside so it looks like this. 157 00:12:42,759 → 00:12:47,519 For many, their gambling activity will remain in 158 00:12:47,519 → 00:12:52,679 this sector. For many others, they will be here. 159 00:12:54,320 → 00:13:01,720 But for others, here, in the darker shades of very serious gambling harm.

160 00:13:02,759 → 00:13:10,759 So, what we are saying is, whilst we understand and appreciate to do their job 161 00:13:10,759 → 00:13:14,720 properly, our authorities must exercise 162 00:13:14,720 → 00:13:16,720 their governance protocols in all its forms. 163 00:13:18,720 → 00:13:24,279 In the same breath, it must be clearly understood by those same authorities that 164 00:13:24,279 → 00:13:27,039 today's risk of harm is continuously 165 00:13:27,039 → 00:13:32,720 present until such change is actually implemented.

166 00:13:33,759 → 00:13:38,919 Harm exists. Therefore, by association, 167 00:13:39,720 → 00:13:42,480 everyone gambling today is exposed to those risks.

168 00:13:44,919 → 00:13:49,080 Our mission is to use digital technologies to help the 169 00:13:49,080 → 00:13:53,720 active gambler, especially young people, avoid the risk of harm.

170 00:13:54,759 → 00:14:02,200 Now, as an organisation, we do not encourage gambling, but we do accept that some 171 00:14:02,200 → 00:14:06,279 people choose to gamble and therefore will need protections.

172 00:14:08,879 → 00:14:13,399 At the dark end of the spectrum are the casualties of gambling harm. Such 173 00:14:13,399 → 00:14:15,720 casualties may seek professional or specialist help. 174 00:14:16,759 → 00:14:23,600 This is outside the PGS remit, and a boundary we will not cross.

175 00:14:25,919 → 00:14:31,360 Our work is concentrated on safeguarding, providing the active gambler with 176 00:14:31,360 → 00:14:34,919 information that everyone should know to keep safe.

177 00:14:36,759 → 00:14:40,279 Even those who are gambling responsibly and 178 00:14:40,279 → 00:14:43,720 have their betting under control are at risk. 179 00:14:45,480 → 00:14:52,639 Life's tragedies — bereavement, loss of job, relationship breakdowns — will all have a 180 00:14:52,639 → 00:14:55,799 profound effect on our mental well-being. 181 00:14:57,279 → 00:15:01,799 And gambling is a pastime that requires full 182 00:15:01,799 → 00:15:06,320 control and mental discipline at all times.

183 00:15:09,600 → 00:15:16,320 So, we need tools to prevent harm. And we need a programme that can bring the gambler 184 00:15:16,320 → 00:15:20,720 together with the trusted third party to explain gambling harms. 185 00:15:21,759 → 00:15:29,120 From the gambler's viewpoint, we need safety tools which encourage self-awareness 186 00:15:29,120 → 00:15:33,600 by alerting people to risk, helping those 187 00:15:33,600 → 00:15:36,519 recognise a problem developing earlier and faster. 188 00:15:37,480 → 00:15:43,720 Realise when action is needed. Understand what to do and change behaviour. 189 00:15:44,759 → 00:15:52,720 And communicate it to a trusted third party. And for that trusted third party 190 00:15:52,720 → 00:15:58,720 acting as a first responder, they too need awareness and to be well informed. 191 00:15:58,759 → 00:16:09,120 Recognise the signs. Realise the action needed. Have a greater understanding of the 192 00:16:09,120 → 00:16:16,720 problem. And be able to communicate it with the gambler using that shared language.

193 00:16:17,759 → 00:16:24,799 We need a safer gambling tool and a programme for those new to gambling. 194 00:16:24,799 → 00:16:32,759 Those needing help. And for those needing to stop and more importantly, stay stopped. 195 00:16:32,759 → 00:16:40,799 A digital tool that for anyone gambling today is a buddy in your back pocket. A 196 00:16:40,799 → 00:16:45,519 constant source of help. A reference. A reality 197 00:16:45,519 → 00:16:51,720 check. A gentle reminder. Or just a safe place to reflect.

198 00:16:52,759 → 00:17:01,200 A product which helps explain the problem as well as solve the problem. And enables 199 00:17:01,200 → 00:17:05,440 a person to communicate it to others available 200 00:17:05,440 → 00:17:09,720 to anyone 24/7 and free at the point of need. 201 00:17:10,759 → 00:17:21,319 Getting to someone earlier, faster and more effectively is an absolute must. And we 202 00:17:21,319 → 00:17:24,720 should all aim to make improvements in this area.

203 00:17:25,759 → 00:17:33,160 So, how are we going to do this? What do we need to do?

204 00:17:35,759 → 00:17:42,720 Today, with the exception of gambling, virtually every aspect of life as we know it 205 00:17:42,720 → 00:17:47,359 is heavily front loaded with behavioural awareness, 206 00:17:48,440 → 00:17:51,480 information and tools to recognise and avoid harm occurring. 207 00:17:53,000 → 00:17:57,799 This applies to goods and services in our homes, workplace and public spaces. 208 00:17:59,839 → 00:18:04,240 Today, prevention and early intervention is the key.

209 00:18:06,000 → 00:18:14,839 So, I ask you to consider this. Why has the world of gambling lagged behind the 210 00:18:14,839 → 00:18:19,119 mainstream model? Timely knowledge not been out there. 211 00:18:20,279 → 00:18:23,720 Behavioural awareness not disseminated to the wider populace. 212 00:18:24,759 → 00:18:34,839 When we know of so many heartbreaking stories and have been told time and time and 213 00:18:34,839 → 00:18:42,480 time again, if only we'd known then what we know now... 214 00:18:43,200 → 00:18:51,319 we could have prevented this. And it is this, THIS, that drives our work.

215 00:18:53,720 → 00:19:00,160 What we need is a public information campaign for safer gambling, to address the 216 00:19:00,160 → 00:19:02,240 gambling harm and the mental health of the nation. 217 00:19:03,880 → 00:19:09,440 A multi-sectoral campaign, supported by central government and promoted by public 218 00:19:09,440 → 00:19:12,920 health bodies. Local government, big and 219 00:19:12,920 → 00:19:15,720 small businesses and all the other institutions.

220 00:19:16,759 → 00:19:24,039 We need to raise standards of player protection. We need it free to the player at 221 00:19:24,039 → 00:19:29,480 the point of need, 24/7. We need it free to business 222 00:19:29,480 → 00:19:32,440 and the institutions that are going to signpost it. 223 00:19:33,839 → 00:19:37,880 We must NOT add cost to the public 224 00:19:37,880 → 00:19:42,960 purse and therefore you and me, the taxpayer.

225 00:19:42,960 → 00:19:51,240 What's more, we need it now. The good news is, we've done it. Not only built a 226 00:19:51,240 → 00:19:55,000 digital solution for today, but it's scalable for tomorrow's metaverse. 227 00:19:55,920 → 00:20:01,519 A programme and tool, ready to lead a public information campaign for safer gambling. 228 00:20:02,079 → 00:20:09,559 It's available now and it's free to all. Its name? Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... 229 00:20:11,119 → 00:20:14,799 And now, it's over to Jo, to tell you more.

230 00:20:27,480 → 00:20:33,079 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is the digital product designed and created by PG Solutions, 231 00:20:33,079 → 00:20:36,119 using the specialist knowledge and insight, collated from those with 232 00:20:36,119 → 00:20:41,599 lived experience, to help safeguard all of those gambling today. 233 00:20:42,000 → 00:20:43,799 Let's take a closer look.

234 00:20:45,400 → 00:20:49,759 The strap line, a strong, stand-alone and thought-provoking safer gambling message 235 00:20:49,759 → 00:20:56,400 in its own right. The colours, intentional. Blue for calm and tranquillity. 236 00:20:56,400 → 00:21:01,599 Black and red, a nod to the industry. White, central, at 237 00:21:01,599 → 00:21:06,880 its heart. And an ellipsis at the end for reflection.

238 00:21:06,880 → 00:21:12,680 The mentor, Ed, the face and voice of Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is an amalgam of 239 00:21:12,680 → 00:21:17,799 all of that specialist knowledge and experience, and a completely unique, 240 00:21:17,799 → 00:21:22,799 untarnished character. In fact, I think we should let him introduce himself.

241 00:21:26,759 → 00:21:30,359 "Hello there. I'm Ed, the face of Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... 242 00:21:30,359 → 00:21:34,680 and the face of safer gambling."

243 00:21:34,680 → 00:21:37,880 Now, I'd like to show you some of the many ways it puts the player front and 244 00:21:37,880 → 00:21:40,880 centre, and just to reaffirm by player, we mean 245 00:21:40,880 → 00:21:43,799 anyone gambling today, whatever their gambling preferences.

246 00:21:44,839 → 00:21:52,240 The layout of the website is clean, clear and easy to navigate. The delivery in 247 00:21:52,240 → 00:21:56,799 audio, video and text, to appeal to a wide variety of types of user. 248 00:21:57,839 → 00:22:03,680 The contents, in a tone which resonates and reflects the needs of the player, one 249 00:22:03,680 → 00:22:08,039 way to the new gambler, different to those in need. Each 250 00:22:08,039 → 00:22:11,920 part connected, or leading to another part, or separate from. 251 00:22:12,400 → 00:22:17,799 Dip in, dip out, scroll up or down, download, watch, read, or just listen.

252 00:22:18,839 → 00:22:25,119 A safe space, giving a player time to consider and think, and some all-important 253 00:22:25,119 → 00:22:27,519 guidance on what to do about it when or if 254 00:22:27,519 → 00:22:29,920 things have got out of hand or beyond control.

255 00:22:31,519 → 00:22:35,519 For the player in some trouble with their gambling, it's bringing them to a place 256 00:22:35,519 → 00:22:39,799 of comfort, showing them whatever part of the spectrum of 257 00:22:39,799 → 00:22:44,799 harm they are on. They really can do something about it.

258 00:22:45,839 → 00:22:52,799 As you can see, the product covers three very important stages of what we call the 259 00:22:52,799 → 00:22:57,880 player journey. Getting started, what someone needs to know before even placing 260 00:22:57,880 → 00:23:02,920 their first bet, needing help and the player's alphabet toolbox for all those 261 00:23:02,920 → 00:23:08,799 experiencing difficulties, and how to stop and more importantly, stay stopped.

262 00:23:09,839 → 00:23:15,519 This product does what no other product does. It tells people what safer gambling 263 00:23:15,519 → 00:23:22,000 actually is and how to do it. It describes not only how it feels, it explains the 264 00:23:22,000 → 00:23:27,799 behaviours most associated with gambling problems and leads the player to what to 265 00:23:27,799 → 00:23:32,000 do next, through a process of awareness, 266 00:23:32,000 → 00:23:39,119 recognition, realisation, understanding and communication.

267 00:23:39,119 → 00:23:43,799 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is simple to use, but far from simple in its construct 268 00:23:43,799 → 00:23:48,359 and functionality. It is a comprehensive, safer gambling 269 00:23:48,359 → 00:23:54,240 tool for the player, whether new, established or a veteran.

270 00:23:54,240 → 00:23:59,880 It's brand ready for advertising and publications on or offline, easy for 271 00:23:59,880 → 00:24:04,759 signposting and adoptees because it sits remotely and doesn't interfere with 272 00:24:04,759 → 00:24:11,000 existing systems. In fact, it's versatile enough to go anywhere and everywhere so 273 00:24:11,000 → 00:24:16,440 that everyone will recognise it, know about it, can find it or access it.

274 00:24:16,440 → 00:24:21,359 Don't bet your life on it is completely free to players and little or no cost to 275 00:24:21,359 → 00:24:26,880 those who participate in its distribution. The best way to describe 276 00:24:26,880 → 00:24:32,440 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is it's an online safer gambling programme which reflects the real 277 00:24:32,440 → 00:24:38,039 gambling experience that is gambling today.

278 00:24:38,039 → 00:24:45,880 A product based upon a simple premise, prevention is better than cure. 279 00:24:45,880 → 00:24:50,599 The product itself, its player-to-player mentoring and toolbox is raising standards and 280 00:24:50,599 → 00:24:56,519 improving protection for players as well as raising awareness, increasing 281 00:24:56,519 → 00:24:59,279 understanding and putting safer gambling 282 00:24:59,279 → 00:25:04,599 firmly in the mind of the public consciousness.

283 00:25:04,599 → 00:25:08,000 And perhaps this would be a good moment to talk a little more about the players 284 00:25:08,000 → 00:25:13,119 perspective and why it's player led and necessary for the individual player today. 285 00:25:13,119 → 00:25:16,240 Here's a short video of some of the background work we did 286 00:25:16,240 → 00:25:20,240 with lived experience prior to the development of the product.

287 00:25:22,119 → 00:25:27,720 Much of gambling remains hidden. You hear people say that levels of harm are 288 00:25:27,720 → 00:25:32,640 difficult to quantify and efforts to reduce it not very effective. 289 00:25:32,759 → 00:25:39,519 People haven't been listening. This is why we decided to do things very differently.

290 00:25:39,519 → 00:25:44,440 To seek out those with real-life experience and to find the authentic 291 00:25:44,440 → 00:25:51,000 voice of lived experience, if you like — genuine, real, true — 292 00:25:51,000 → 00:25:57,079 because these are the people with the knowledge, the right words and the understanding who can 293 00:25:57,079 → 00:26:04,880 explain it so much better and more likely to be listened to and we put all 294 00:26:04,880 → 00:26:11,359 of that into Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... 295 00:26:11,359 → 00:26:18,160 We've learned from as many as we could and continue to do so the people with skin in the game who know 296 00:26:18,160 → 00:26:23,200 the gambling world and its risks very well. 297 00:26:23,200 → 00:26:31,440 From a former betting shop manager of 12 years who later became an addict; Poker players, slot games and fruit 298 00:26:31,440 → 00:26:38,119 machines, sports bettors, in both high-street bookmakers and online; land-based 299 00:26:38,119 → 00:26:44,119 and online casino gamblers and former players and those recovering from 300 00:26:44,119 → 00:26:52,640 disorder and addiction. And by the way what is clear is they aren't a special 301 00:26:52,640 → 00:27:01,559 group, a type unique to gambling. They're everyday people, us, from all walks of 302 00:27:01,559 → 00:27:07,799 life. Many have been more than happy to talk to us about where their gambling 303 00:27:07,799 → 00:27:14,000 troubles have taken them but most don't want to be identified and won't put a 304 00:27:14,000 → 00:27:21,640 face to camera due to the continuing stigma associated with this subject matter. 305 00:27:21,640 → 00:27:26,119 So the mentoring you can see is formulated from the many years of 306 00:27:26,119 → 00:27:32,240 experience and insight of those who themselves developed gambling issues.

307 00:27:32,240 → 00:27:38,599 Their insight has provided the most authentic information, coping mechanisms 308 00:27:38,599 → 00:27:46,200 and general all-around help for both the player and anybody genuinely interested 309 00:27:46,200 → 00:27:54,839 in learning more about this very complex issue. The first of a kind to do so in this way. 310 00:27:54,839 → 00:28:00,400 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is built on the authentic voice of lived 311 00:28:00,400 → 00:28:07,279 experience and delivered digitally to reach those they said needed it. Everyone.

312 00:28:07,279 → 00:28:11,799 Whether the person is new to the gambling scene or someone with real 313 00:28:11,799 → 00:28:17,759 issues, real problems they need to address and anyone unsure how their 314 00:28:17,759 → 00:28:28,359 gambling behaviour is straying in a harmful direction. It explains, guides and informs, 315 00:28:28,359 → 00:28:35,759 all free of charge and absolutely confidential. To help someone new to 316 00:28:35,759 → 00:28:41,359 gambling, the lived-experience guidance starts with some key aspects of safer 317 00:28:41,359 → 00:28:46,799 gambling protection, prevention and controls...

318 00:28:46,799 → 00:28:53,960 Ed: "The things you should know before you get started and how to stay safe and in control. Top of my list is 319 00:28:53,960 → 00:29:00,720 always bet with a UK regulated gambling operator because UK regulation gives you 320 00:29:00,720 → 00:29:06,519 added protection. But even though the industry is regulated....". 321 00:29:06,519 → 00:29:16,319 Jo: For those experiencing gambling harm we ask first, what does it mean? How does it look or feel? 322 00:29:16,319 → 00:29:23,079 Lived experience through Ed guides and informs, explains the damage, physical 323 00:29:23,440 → 00:29:30,079 or mental health damage, injury to oneself and others, always informing, always 324 00:29:30,079 → 00:29:35,000 looking at it from the players perspective. 325 00:29:35,000 → 00:29:40,200 Ed: "You have come to the right place if you're worried about your gambling. Maybe you're finding it hard to 326 00:29:40,200 → 00:29:45,440 understand what on earth is going on or not really sure you have a problem but 327 00:29:45,440 → 00:29:50,079 know deep down that the way you gamble now is not how you intended when you 328 00:29:50,079 → 00:29:55,359 started. Or maybe you realize you have a problem....". 329 00:29:55,359 → 00:30:04,480 Jo: For those experiencing changes in their gambling habits an Alphabet Tool; 26 categories with which to engage.

330 00:30:04,480 → 00:30:12,480 Naturally there could be many more but here are some regarded by lived-experience as essential: 331 00:30:12,480 → 00:30:22,079 Ed: Anger, Chase, Dopamine, Gamble, Quit, Rush. 332 00:30:22,079 → 00:30:25,559 Jo: Allowing a person to browse through at their leisure and take their own time to 333 00:30:25,559 → 00:30:35,319 absorb everything is just one of the many advantages of having a digital tool to refer to 24/7. 334 00:30:35,319 → 00:30:40,480 Gambling today is labelled as fun and for many it's true it is, 335 00:30:40,480 → 00:30:46,920 but for others it's not and as we were told, nobody knows who the others 336 00:30:46,920 → 00:30:51,960 might be so help must be out there for everyone. 337 00:30:51,960 → 00:30:58,000 Their stories revealed gambling whether online or on the high street really can be a problem for almost 338 00:30:58,000 → 00:31:03,440 anybody who finds themselves unable to stop. 339 00:31:03,440 → 00:31:12,319 Fruit machines, scratch cards or bingo. They can all have unsuspected levels of harm or be pathways into 340 00:31:12,319 → 00:31:18,359 gambling and sports betting they said an environment full of pitfalls.

341 00:31:18,359 → 00:31:23,079 A place where advice is much needed for the unsuspecting punter. 342 00:31:23,079 → 00:31:30,000 Some are more high tariff than others but all contain addictive properties. 343 00:31:30,000 → 00:31:35,200 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... helps to explain and guide. 344 00:31:35,200 → 00:31:41,160 Although the impact of problems experienced within gambling will rarely be the same for any two people, 345 00:31:41,160 → 00:31:49,440 the common factors are they will endure lifelong issues. They all experience harm.

346 00:31:49,440 → 00:31:55,000 This is what was said and we've used our spectrum of harm to illustrate. 347 00:31:55,000 → 00:32:00,319 It's quite easy to slide from one group to another and someone shouldn't wait until 348 00:32:00,359 → 00:32:04,279 they're in the red zone to do something about it. 349 00:32:04,279 → 00:32:10,839 Too often players will place themselves on the scale based purely on their wins and losses when other things 350 00:32:10,839 → 00:32:19,240 must be considered. Time spent, intention, your mood and behaviour.

351 00:32:19,240 → 00:32:23,200 Gambler's trying to self-assess shouldn't judge their situation merely on the 352 00:32:23,240 → 00:32:30,119 financial implications. It really isn't just about the money. 353 00:32:30,119 → 00:32:36,359 If it's interfering with life in other ways, work, relationships, health and gambling has 354 00:32:36,400 → 00:32:45,960 become stressful rather than fun. That's the time to rethink, adjust or stop. 355 00:32:45,960 → 00:32:51,720 Those with lived experience genuinely don't want others to suffer unnecessary pain 356 00:32:51,720 → 00:32:55,880 as they did by not doing something soon enough. 357 00:32:55,880 → 00:33:03,160 They know by doing it later it may already be too late and they want to use their knowledge and experience to 358 00:33:03,160 → 00:33:08,440 empower other gamblers to see and understand why this may be happening to 359 00:33:08,440 → 00:33:15,480 them and for them to act on it and correct things quicker their way.

360 00:33:15,480 → 00:33:19,079 The content and messaging within Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... 361 00:33:19,079 → 00:33:20,839 is intended to allow people to 362 00:33:20,839 → 00:33:25,839 finally talk about gambling in their day-to-day life with family, friends, work 363 00:33:25,839 → 00:33:32,119 colleagues and loved ones thereby reducing the huge stigma that is still 364 00:33:32,119 → 00:33:36,319 attached to this subject matter. 365 00:33:36,319 → 00:33:44,359 It's not easy to talk about said one but this is an urgent high tariff health problem and 366 00:33:44,359 → 00:33:50,559 too much time has been wasted already in not taking it seriously enough. 367 00:33:50,559 → 00:33:58,000 My hope is Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... would change the way gambling problems are dealt with in the future.

368 00:34:12,159 → 00:34:17,280 Built to become the player's own go-to safety tool forever in their back pocket it doesn't matter what 369 00:34:17,280 → 00:34:21,760 sort of gambler our player is, it doesn't matter which ethnic group our gambler 370 00:34:21,760 → 00:34:27,800 represents or from which socio-economic group, what age or gender. 371 00:34:27,800 → 00:34:36,840 It is giving the player, any player, the information they need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 372 00:34:36,840 → 00:34:41,440 By raising awareness and enabling recognition helping a person 373 00:34:41,440 → 00:34:45,119 realise what action should be taken giving them a greater understanding and 374 00:34:45,119 → 00:34:50,119 communicating it effectively we empower the individual to make a change for 375 00:34:50,119 → 00:34:56,480 themselves and avoid further harm wherever that danger comes from.

376 00:34:56,480 → 00:35:02,920 Which brings me to the next important point — what we mean by effective communication 377 00:35:02,920 → 00:35:09,400 and why it matters. Let's call it communicating the problem and the communication tool. 378 00:35:09,400 → 00:35:12,480 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... was built as a safer gambling tool 379 00:35:12,480 → 00:35:18,719 and programme for anyone gambling today but has a dual very important secondary 380 00:35:18,719 → 00:35:23,679 purpose as a two-way communication tool, describing how it looks and feels and is 381 00:35:23,679 → 00:35:31,360 for the player and at the same time informing educating and explaining it to 382 00:35:31,360 → 00:35:38,920 others family friends interested parties and wider society. 383 00:35:38,920 → 00:35:44,960 Player to player, a player identifies with it, it identifies with the player. 384 00:35:44,960 → 00:35:52,280 Player to others, it's communicating behavioural insight for greater understanding. 385 00:35:52,280 → 00:35:57,559 Bringing these two sides together, bridging the gap where a lack of understanding currently exists 386 00:35:57,559 → 00:36:03,480 and stigma thrives has many benefits for all those harmed. 387 00:36:03,480 → 00:36:10,199 Encouraging people out of hiding and massively increasing the potential for healing and meaningful 388 00:36:10,199 → 00:36:15,199 recovery and in some cases much-needed redemption.

389 00:36:15,199 → 00:36:23,800 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... is designed to perform these two key roles, player safety and communication 390 00:36:23,800 → 00:36:30,039 because being able to communicate a problem effectively means others understand it more 391 00:36:30,039 → 00:36:34,039 and we know that for a gambler in trouble their first line of support will 392 00:36:34,039 → 00:36:40,079 come from those they love. And for those who love them they care enough to want 393 00:36:40,079 → 00:36:46,000 to understand and help. And we as a society should be tapping into this huge 394 00:36:46,000 → 00:36:51,679 resource with such obvious benefits freely given.

395 00:36:51,679 → 00:37:00,679 In summary gambling today is now regarded as a public health issue. As a society we need the wide-scale 396 00:37:00,679 → 00:37:04,559 adoption of digital tools like Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... as part of a 397 00:37:04,559 → 00:37:09,159 Public Information campaign to address gambling harm and protect the mental health and 398 00:37:09,159 → 00:37:12,880 well-being of the nation.

399 00:37:12,880 → 00:37:20,400 We as businesses, banking, big and small employers, clubs and institutions need to be part of it, 400 00:37:20,400 → 00:37:26,559 to be the conduit, the force for good. Signposting tools and help to people as part of our joint 401 00:37:26,559 → 00:37:32,400 social responsibilities for the sake of those individuals affected, those 402 00:37:32,400 → 00:37:38,440 impacted by someone else's gambling and to help the nation become more aware of 403 00:37:38,440 → 00:37:44,000 the importance of safety when gambling because as well as being bosses and 404 00:37:44,000 → 00:37:52,239 colleagues and teammates we too are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, 405 00:37:52,239 → 00:37:57,920 friends, protectors and defenders in wider society.

406 00:37:57,920 → 00:38:04,719 So I'm going to take you back to where we started. The purpose of this video is to connect with you 407 00:38:04,719 → 00:38:08,880 and not just to help you understand the problem which is important of course but 408 00:38:08,880 → 00:38:12,360 to persuade you to become part of the solution. 409 00:38:12,360 → 00:38:20,159 Our objective is to have Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... recognised nationwide and in the mind of the public consciousness. 410 00:38:20,159 → 00:38:25,119 To reach this objective we need wide-scale distribution and the way 411 00:38:25,119 → 00:38:31,559 to achieve this is with your help. We are asking you to do what you can do and 412 00:38:31,559 → 00:38:36,880 take at least one of these important steps. 413 00:38:36,880 → 00:38:45,000 You can signpost your customs to Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it.... You could embed 414 00:38:45,000 → 00:38:51,960 Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... into your staff support packages and safeguarding policies as part of a duty of care.

415 00:38:51,960 → 00:38:56,840 You could look at Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it... yourself to discover, understand and 416 00:38:56,840 → 00:39:02,679 communicate better with loved ones about gambling or adopt it as the number 417 00:39:02,679 → 00:39:11,119 one communication tool for HR, staff training about gambling issues. 418 00:39:11,119 → 00:39:16,199 Time pressures has meant we've kept this presentation short. We've been able to do 419 00:39:16,199 → 00:39:21,079 so because the product we are showing you today is already built, designed and 420 00:39:21,079 → 00:39:29,519 created for you to do the job for you. We haven't asked for your money. 421 00:39:29,519 → 00:39:33,599 The product you see today is complete and it's yours today free 422 00:39:33,599 → 00:39:36,039 should you decide to take it.

423 00:39:45,920 → 00:39:54,320 Our work is done here, the pitch complete, even the virtual office is gone. 424 00:39:54,320 → 00:39:59,719 But before we pack up and go, I'd like to leave you with one final thought. 425 00:40:00,760 → 00:40:08,639 If as a society we continue to fail to address the issue of gambling safety, 426 00:40:08,639 → 00:40:18,079 or fail to act soon enough, the consequences of inaction really can be most severe. 427 00:40:18,079 → 00:40:22,719 Where you can be one or yet another of the many thousands of people impacted and 428 00:40:22,719 → 00:40:28,920 harmed who we represent and who helped us put this product together 429 00:40:28,920 → 00:40:37,960 or something worse like Peter who lost his stepson, or me 430 00:40:37,960 → 00:40:41,199 who lost my only son.

431 00:40:41,800 → 00:40:51,119 On behalf of them and us we are grateful for this opportunity and thank you for your time.