UK gaming regulatory body, YGAM, advocates for incorporation of educational measures in the reformation of gambling laws.
Hollerin' 'Bout Gambling: YGAM's Role in Reshaping the UK Gambling Scene
YGAM, the youth-focused charity, has been vocal in the ongoing debate about the UK's gambling market re-regulation. Sharon Rigbye, the Chief Executive of YGAM, spoke at a recent Parliamentary Reception, urging MPs to pay heed to industry standards and player protection in the upcoming White Paper.
Education as a Shield: Protecting Tomorrow's Generation
Rigbye vigorously advocates for raising awareness about gambling problems and treating it as a public health concern. She emphasizes the importance of education to foster resilience among consumers, especially vulnerable groups, against the pervasive issue of gambling addiction. Currently, organizations like GamCare and YGAM have shown impressive results with programs such as the Young People's Gambling Harm Prevention Program, aiming to reach an impressive 2 million young people.
Preventive education, according to Rigbye, should play a more significant role in these discussions. She also pointed out the lack of awareness regarding available treatment options, often leaving those willing to address their problems in the dark about possible solutions.
YGAM's Digital Futures initiative has been instrumental in navigating the rapidly-evolving UK gambling market and digital landscape. This initiative has enabled the charity to understand and address concerns faced by young people in the digital world. Rigbye outlined future plans to establish advisory panels, listen to feedback from young people and industry professionals, and leverage digital technology to empower others and prevent future harm.
Bridging the Gap: Navigating the Digital Frontier
While the debate on the UK's gambling re-regulation lingers, YGAM is concentrating on diversifying its funding model to ensure its independence and positive influence in the sector. The future, as YGAM sees it, is about revamping gambling regulations to meet the demands of consumers, who are increasingly turning to digital channels for entertainment.
YGAM has been named an official ambassador for ICE London 2023, set to take place on February 7-9.
Behind-the-Scenes: YGAM's Impact
YGAM, a UK charity dedicated to safeguarding young people from gambling-related harms, significantly impacts the broader regulatory context. Its initiatives address emerging risks linked to gambling-like behaviors in digital settings, such as video games and esports. By educating young gamers, their parents, carers, and professionals in the gaming and esports industries, YGAM helps shape regulatory approaches and the need for targeted education to prevent risks early[1].
Through initiatives like the Gaming & Esports Programme, partnerships with organizations like TSB Bank, and professional training and safeguarding, YGAM extends its impact beyond young people to the wider ecosystem that influences youth behavior[1][2]. Its focus on young people aged 16-24, a demographic particularly susceptible to digital gaming harms that may lead to gambling issues, sets it apart in the fight against problematic gambling behaviors[1].
[1] Referenced from enrichment data.[2] Further details about the TSB partnership can be found here: Link to source (2)
- In the ongoing debate surrounding the UK's gambling market re-regulation, Sharon Rigbye, Chief Executive of YGAM, emphasizes the need for more preventive education to combat gambling addiction, particularly among young and vulnerable demographics.
- YGAM's Digital Futures initiative plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing concerns faced by young people in the digital world, with plans to establish advisory panels and leverage digital technology to empower others and prevent future harm.
- As the gambling industry evolves, YGAM is working to diversify its funding model to maintain its independence and positive influence, focusing on revamping gambling regulations to meet the demands of consumers in the digital era.
- YGAM's influence extends beyond young people, as it educates parents, carers, professionals in the gaming and esports industries, and partners with organizations like TSB Bank, shaping regulatory approaches and the need for targeted education to prevent risks early.
