Submission of written evidence to JCDGB
by The Gordon House Association
Introduction
The Gordon House Association remains the United Kingdom's
only provider of specialist residential treatment for addicted
gamblers. Founded by the Reverend Gordon Moody in 1971, we now
have more than 30 years experience of working with those whose
gambling addiction is situated, according to DSM IV criteria,
at the severest end of the 'addiction spectrum'. In addition to
the 35 bed spaces available to men, October 1st 2002
marked the opening of our first residential treatment centre specifically
for women, containing 4 bed spaces. At the time of writing all
our bed space provision, for both men and women, is full. We are
currently working with those who are waiting to be admitted to
treatment via our innovative internet based support service.
Our submission is confined to areas considered most
pertinent to the research/treatment sector
1)Gambling Industry Charitable Trust -its funding,
role and independence and the extent of existing research
a) funding
Amongst submissions made during the consultative
stages of the Gambling Industry Charitable Trust's formation overseas
models of treatment were presented that suggested provision of
residential treatment for addicted gamblers was un-necessary and/or
cost ineffective. The efficacy of providing this tier of treatment
(whether measured in terms of social, psychological, or financial
cost estimates) is seen proven over time by the ever increasing
demand for residential treatment provision that clearly aligns
with current Crime Reduction, Homelessness and Mental Health Strategies.
We are presently world leaders in this aspect of the treatment
field, particularly in the female case, and should not become
world followers.
The funding that our Association currently receives
from the GICT is integral to our survival, although it represents
only 9% of our total income. But it remains insufficient if we
are to meet the growing demands for our service. Anticipated restrictions
in Supporting People funding also necessarily dictate our need
to ask for greater, rather than lesser, proportional funding from
the GICT in future. Our primary concerns over present funding
strategies reside in 2 main areas:
1) Trust led, not treatments needs driven, funding
allocation.
2) Funding instability that impacts upon projections
for future provision.
b) research, role
and independence
The initiative launched by our Chief Executive, Kevin
Farrell-Roberts on December 1st 2003, see www.gamblingtherapy.org.uk
provides a succinct summary of our belief
that there is a need for a forum to be established
to provide an open, acceptable, objective and united voice representing
and advising both practitioners and researchers in the field.
We are in an expanding sector which is about to undergo major
changes. There needs to be a full sharing of views, ideas and
experiences if we are to ensure we develop the most effective,
appropriate and accountable treatment perspectives and practices
designed to meet the new challenges and opportunities we are about
to face.
We also feel our sector increasingly has to deal
with, and is being detrimentally affected by, the vested and conflicting
interests found both within our own sector and in the gambling
industry at large. Our position is weakened, and made more malleable,
by outside interests, and by the fact we do not currently present,
as a sector, in a united and organised way.
2) Regulation of the National Lottery, Spread
Betting, and Remote Gambling
Statistical information collected and collated by
us reveals:
1) A quantitative increase of 56.25% in applications
made to us during October-December 2003 compared to October-December
2002.
2) Qualitative diversity in the range/type of
gambling media identified by applicants as their primary gambling
addiction. Most notable amongst which are currently spread betting,
remote gambling, and Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.
In the light of such information it appears imperative
that any proposed changes in legislation create a framework of
equally effective regulation that embraces all forms of gambling
media. Spread Betting, Remote Gambling and the National Lottery
must be encompassed within the remit of the Gambling Commission,
both in the interests of equity and consumer protection.
3) Gaming Machines and Amusement with Prizes
- the potential exposure of children to gambling.
Analysis of our male client group during the period
April 2002 to March 2003 revealed some 34.8% were primarily addicted
to fruit machine gambling. This sub-group of our population were
found least likely to engage in any additional gambling mode and
more significantly to have begun gambling at a much earlier age
than those who engage in On and Off Course Betting and Casino
gambling.
We remain the only country in Europe that allows
our children access to gambling. It is essential that proposed
legislation restrict children's access to fruit machine gambling.
4) 'Protection of children and vulnerable persons'
The concept of protecting children and vulnerable
persons must be extended to include those whose lives are detrimentally
affected by problem gambling. Prevention and early intervention
strategies are integral to reducing gambling related harm. It
is estimated that approximately fifteen people's lives are affected
by each problem gambler. Children living in problem gambling families
often face issues such as social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression,
abuse and exhibit poor educational performance. Adequate resourcing
must be found to provide assistance in this particular area.
Faith Freestone (Projects Director)
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