In the UK, Glasgow’s Treasurer says that a new self-exclusion scheme launched this week will promote crucial information sharing between betting operators and regulators.
Paul Rooney has backed the new three-month pilot that is being introduced through a partnership between the Association of British Bookmakers, betting shops and Glasgow City Council.
The move means residents of the Scottish city will be able to call a confidential helpline to ask to be refused service at 36 participating shops, regardless of the operator. This will make exclusion much easier, with gamblers previously having to fill in a form at each outlet to ask for exclusion.
The helpline will also provide information on how to get help and counseling to deal with a gambling problem.
“We simply don't know enough about how problem gambling affects individuals, families and communities - either here in Glasgow or anywhere else in the UK,” said Rooney, who is also the chairman of a cross-party group on gambling.
