There’s Help at Hand – Combatting a Bingo Addiction

The fun that can be enjoyed as part of a bingo gaming community, either online or at your local hall is palpable. It can become central to your socialisation and enjoyment and it can really be something you look forward to on a regular basis. However, it is essential to keep tabs on your hobby and ensure it doesn’t slip into dangerous territory.

Many of the leading tabloid papers have been quick to judge and describe online gambling as central to creating an epidemic of addiction, but is this media hype? Although no doubt there are people living with difficult addictions to all sorts of online games and gambling, the majority of players are able to control their gaming adequately and treat it as it should be – good old fashioned fun, with the added bonus of perhaps winning some cash. What’s more, there are dedicated organisations and branches of some of the big brands which specifically exist to support those with addictive tendencies who might be at risk of developing a dangerous habit.

A Closer look at the Figures

The danger of a gambling addiction should not be underestimated. Figures released this year by the Gambling Commission do suggest that ‘problem gambling’ is on the rise across the UK with nearly three quarters of UK citizens involved in some form of gambling, although in most instances this equates to picking up a weekend ticket to the National Lottery. The latest results from the British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) showed that 1% of Brits live with a gambling problem and this has led to those involved with the survey suggesting more should be done in this area to support those living with this problem. Equating the issue to alcohol and drug addiction, experts suggest that gambling addicts should receive the same level of support and research into the problem as these other groups are provided with.

Help at Hand

Agencies such as Gamblers Anonymous UK have been known about for a long time but there are specific companies who provide support in other ways. GamCare has existed since 1997 and is a charity which prides itself in its non-judgemental approach to gambling. They offer online support through their NetLine scheme, telephone support via their helpline and have a well-managed and moderated forum and chat room area for peer support too. They also run face to face counselling across the UK and short term residential support in their Broadway Lodge facility in Somerset.

Even more helpfully for those involved in online bingo and other games, the Rank Group, owners of the popular Mecca Bingo brand as well as Grosvenor Casinos and Blue Square, have their own dedicated website. The Stay in Control programme from Rank is designed to provide players at any Rank establishment with tailored information and guidance to help stay in control of their gambling experience and to ensure that they get the most out of their gaming without allowing it to get  out of hand.

The site is split into dedicated section dealing with different types of gaming with sections focussing on both bingo and playing online. The playing online section explains exactly how the Rank Group work to help players keep their hobby in check, with the opportunity to set customer limits on deposits and the option for customers worried about developing a problem to ‘self-exclude’ themselves from all sites managed and owned by the group. They also provide some practical steps for helping players stay in control which include:

• Asking someone you trust to handle your money for a set time period or ask for support in creating a budgeting plan
• Limit your deposit levels, amounts or the time you allow yourself online
• Reward yourself with bingo-free or gambling-free periods and use the money you would spend on trips out or gifts for your family

This is just a small sample of the help on offer to online players from Rank; their insight and supportive nature puts another tick in their box when it comes to choosing a reliable and responsible online games provider.

Land Based Support

The Rank Group also provide support to help players stay in control in their land-based bingo halls and casinos. All staff are extensively trained in understanding the behaviours of those with problems, they are on hand to provide a degree of support and have the ability to direct those in need to the appropriate sources of help and further information.

Their self-exclusion policy also applies to their land-based sites and is as simple as filling in a quick form and handing it to any staff member in any establishment. They also have on-site leaflets and literatures in addition to what’s available via the website.

There is no reason why you should worry if you’re a casual gamer who just enjoys playing online bingo or a few games at your local club every now and again. First and foremost these games are designed to be great fun and entertainment, but you would do well to keep an eye on your hobby to ensure that the entertainment value is the most important reason for playing and not chasing an elusive jackpot.

The sensible option to avoid more serious problems is to be aware of the dangers and to always be in control.