19 October 2009 will see the Gambling industry meeting up and promoting it as a Gambling Awareness day. The UK land based bingo industry has been quick to adopt a responsible approach to gaming and is widely regarded as the softest form of Gaming in the UK.

Following an industry initiative, all parts of the gambling industry (in collaboration with GamCare) will be coming together to promote the concept of responsible gambling amongst consumers. The aim is to raise awareness of the treatment and advice services which are available for problem gamblers and those who might be associated with them.

The 19th October coincides with GamCare`s annual conference. The industry will be coordinating an extensive marketing and publicity effort across the sector to get the key messages across, reinforced by local and national events and media coverage. We are developing posters and leaflets for use in gambling premises, online messages and special strap lines to use in that day`s advertisements, as well as some suggested options for companies that may wish to do more.

By Jayne Wilson