The city of Bristol is poised to welcome a pioneering global summit addressing the escalating problem of gambling-related harm.
This significant gathering will convene more than 150 specialists in the domain, all aligned in their objective to elevate awareness and advocate for impactful policy reforms.
Anticipation is already mounting, with renowned former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton confirmed as a principal speaker. Shilton, who grappled with a gambling dependency for many years, will be accompanied by his wife, Steph, an experienced counselor. Their participation highlights the profoundly personal consequences of gambling-related harm.
The summit, coordinated by the respected Bristol Gambling Harms Research Centre, is scheduled for October 12th at the prominent M Shed museum.
Further enhancing the event’s significance, Lord Foster of Bath and investigative reporter Rob Davies, recognized for his revelations on the gambling sector, will also be presenting.
Bringing together professionals from healthcare, regulatory bodies, marketing, and policy under one roof, this conference aims to be a crucial stride towards confronting the intricate obstacles presented by gambling harm.
Professor Agnes Nairn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Bristol and Co-Director of the Bristol Gambling Harms Research Centre, stressed the worldwide scope of this concern, noting that “Gambling harm is a collective experience that extends beyond geographical boundaries.”
There are notable variations in societal norms, accessible assistance networks, and governing frameworks for wagering activities across various nations.
It was a privilege to assemble specialists from thirteen nations to deliberate on how comprehensive, multidisciplinary research can tackle this escalating issue.
As an illustration, a recent investigation conducted by the University of Bristol revealed that a mere 21% of over eleven thousand gambling promotional communications directed towards football enthusiasts during the inaugural weekend of the English Premier League incorporated responsible gaming messages.
Dr. Raffaello Rossi, a lecturer in Marketing at the University of Bristol, emphasized the complete inadequacy of self-governance within the gaming sector.
He cited nations such as Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, which have already enacted stringent restrictions or even outright prohibitions on gambling advertising.
Dr. Rossi also voiced apprehension that current policy recommendations in the UK entirely overlook the necessity for more rigorous gambling promotion regulations, a measure that enjoys substantial public backing.