just a query this is but does anyone know why a lot of bookies at the mo have there windows dressed with big gambling aware messages, also on some adverts i cant remember which but someone mentions it and im sure none of these need to do it to this extent! So wondering why do you think?
I think a few of the bigger ones made some sort of statement in the papers a few months ago (I remember seeing it) stating that they were going to "lead the way with responsible gambling" and stop advertising FOBT games in their windows as well as making the RG messages bigger. No doubt there'd been some pressure on them in the advent of the new UK regulations which came in late last year. They must have decided that they would pre-empt any threat to legally limit what they could do by putting posters in their windows so that they can say "we already take responsible gambling seriously". Call me cynical.
Latterly when I gambled I tended to go online mostly. just recently when I've been on the "High Street" in a few towns and cities I've noticed these yellow signs. They do look a bit "official" and knowing these companies crave increased profits not a decrease. I feel they are just slightly "cosmetic".
They are there though and I suppose it's better than them not being there.
These posters and FOBT limits are a hopeless waste of time, rather like the 'drink responsibly folks' equivalents with alcohol. When I left the betting industry 8 years ago FOBTs were already 45-50% of the GP and they were trying to open shops just to squeeze 4 more machines in.
I was in a cycle last week and make 6 quickfire trips to the cashpoint. Behind the counter the machine totals are displayed, so it was pretty obvious I was doing a lot of money quickly. Here's the deal though, the young lady behind the counter was working alone, so how could she have come to check on my well being even if she wanted to?? Stick up a poster and carry on regardless....so cynical it's untrue.
It reminds me of being at school, when the teacher would shout at the whole class because one child had been naughty. The only people getting upset were the good kids, the naughty one definitely wasnt listening, this feels a bit like that, they really think a poster is going to deter a compulsive gambler from gambling? Of course it wont, it just reminds us gamblers loved ones how hard our situation is and kicks the gamblers in recovery in the gut. My husband's self esteem is fragile enough thanks, we had our own little laugh together sticking two fingers up at the bookies we went past, small vidtory for him every time, now they're doing it back.
Posters or no posters, they are going to get criticism. We can only take care of our own problems, we can't take on society's problems as well.
The UK government is under growing pressure to legislate these companies to protect the growing number of problem gamblers.
The companies that proffit from problem gamblers have lobbied politicians for years to prevent this as it would hurt their finances.
Now the damage to society that these companies are causing (facilitating if you prefer) is undeniable.
So we are seeing self regulation! The gambling companies are saying we dont need laws because we will behave without them 🙂
I hope, and will vote for, politicians who will see this for the folly that it clearly is.
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