[News] £1.4m gambling harm fund by Wales

[OsaiEmma]

This article revealed how this country showed a massive support that can help her citizens whom are addicted to gambling to be delivered from their addiction

I honestly don't see how this helps gambling addiction, but I know for a fact that it halpe their families but not the individual themselves. I think it is a good thing honestly, helping families affected but I feel it is just cutting the trunk instead of uprooting the tree of addiction.

This scheme won't reduce addiction, if anything I feel it will encourage it; if families of gambling addicts will benefit from their toxic gambling, then they won't even bother looking for solutions to their beloved ones addiction.

A £1.4m fund has been launched to support community-led schemes
Community groups, charities and social enterprises across Wales can apply for grants of up to £75,000 a year to help tackle gambling addiction and debt.

I don't know if this line means they'd settle gamblers debts or debt in general; if it is the later, then I don't see how this will be helping gambling addiction unless they'd create a program that'll help them out of their addiction and teach them proper money management and self-exclusion scheme so as to be debt free; if not, they'd still go and incure more debt.

Do you think that some gamblers would want to purposely get addicted for this reason so that they can get financial benefits from this scheme?

Well some might just fake it so as to benefit, but I don't think they'd just turn to real gambling addict over night. But since this won't be paid directly to the victims, I think faking it won't even work.

[Patikno]

Some people will want to abuse this, but I think it will be hard to abuse. No one wants to be addicted to gambling at all. I do not think the money that will be given to the affected family will be worth getting addicted to gambling for.

If other countries can begin something like this, it will be good. But it should be in a way that the money will not be embezzled and also the family having the issue should not be given up to or more than the money lost to gambling.

Losing money to gamble can be on the gambling sites history and can be confirmed by the people responsible in distributing the money.

Based on the information provided by the OP, the aid funds are intended for families affected by gambling. So, I don't think the assistance is aimed directly at the individuals addicted to gambling, but rather at their families. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that the grant provider would simply hand out the funds without further verification of their legitimacy. Therefore, I am confident that misusing the aid funds would be difficult, especially given the connection to regulators who can monitor the situation via statistical data, which is likely how they identify the root causes; that need to be addressed.

[hedgeh0g]

This article revealed how this country showed a massive support that can help her citizens whom are addicted to gambling to be delivered from their addiction. If the groups and enterprises that are qualified to apply for this fund will put the money into the actual purpose it was meant for, I think it will go a long way to help reduce gambling addiction. Do you think that some gamblers would want to purposely get addicted for this reason so that they can get financial benefits from this scheme?

I think this is a very correct and wise initiative that will allow citizens to receive warnings about the dangers of gambling, and this is a really important activity. I would like to have something similar in the country where I live. But unfortunately, there is no such thing and there will not be. Because all gambling here belongs to the government and they will make sure that citizens do not create so-called anti-advertising with such initiatives. And this is terrible, because when governments are at the top of the gambling business, they will control all the expenses and revenues of this business, wildly squeezing funds from citizens through gambling and betting. Because of this, the quality of the population's psychology will continue to suffer.

[Charles-Tim]

Based on the information provided by the OP, the aid funds are intended for families affected by gambling. So, I don't think the assistance is aimed directly at the individuals addicted to gambling, but rather at their families. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that the grant provider would simply hand out the funds without further verification of their legitimacy. Therefore, I am confident that misusing the aid funds would be difficult, especially given the connection to regulators who can monitor the situation via statistical data, which is likely how they identify the root causes; that need to be addressed.

I also do not think anyone can be able to lie to receive the grant. But know that a whole family can plan if they see a means or loophole in collecting the money. But the main thing is still that it is not worth it to waste money on gambling to the extent that the money that might be received as grant may not worth the amount of money lost. Even if it is up to it, I do not think it can be more than the amount of money lost is another thing.

[adultcrypto]

This article revealed how this country showed a massive support that can help her citizens whom are addicted to gambling to be delivered from their addiction. If the groups and enterprises that are qualified to apply for this fund will put the money into the actual purpose it was meant for, I think it will go a long way to help reduce gambling addiction. Do you think that some gamblers would want to purposely get addicted for this reason so that they can get financial benefits from this scheme?

This is a very good plan and will surely have positive impact and will help curb gambling addiction to a large extent. As for abuse of the initiative, I don't thing that will happen because before anyone qualifies for the grant, he will need to provide proofs which will be verified. This to check can include their casino accounts, bank statements to confirm deposits and withdrawals. There are just so many ways they can use to ensure that the right people have access to the funds.

[Somegory]

To abuse this you need to become addicted to gambling, who will be crazy enough to do that? 😭😭😭 Knowing perfectly well that they can end up in a correctional center right after?

It depends on the country though, but in a developing country that abuse of funds is going to be possible, I have my reasons for saying this, the government will need to monitor things very strictly to make sure that money went to where it supposed to.

You can't fake addiction, because it puts you in great discomfort and loss, like in gambling right now, you will have to lose everything you have just to be a part of those benefiting some funds thats not going to be enough, this is crazy.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

Here, govt is not directly giving money to gamblers. Government is giving money to various charities and social organization. So, govt should choose them carefully. As a result they will be able to play role in raising awareness. They will also be able to provide counseling and stand by the affected families in root level where govt cant reach.

Some charities and social organization are also corrupt, I don't know about this country though and how corrupt they are but I trust that the government will make sure that the people they will give this funds to will use it for the good course. They won't just released this money to the social organization and go back to sleep without supervising whether these organizations are using the money to solve gambling problem or not. I like the fact that they are feeling much concerned about their citizens unlike some country where their government is just collecting tax from casinos and players and yet doesn't show much interest to help addicted players.

[knowngunman]

Due to corrupt among some community groups or enterprises, the question of whether those groups that will be qualified to apply for this fund will actually use it for the right purpose or they will keep it to them self is something that I thought about.  What is your two SATs?

How confident are you this money is not going back to gambling even if distributed accordingly? Addicts don't hesitate to gamble with any money that comes their way and I'm afraid this will only fuel their gambling the more. More money in their possession, more gambling time.

There is no service like this in my country, addicted gamblers are going through the problems on their own, so I am jealous  of gamblers in Wales, their government is doing its best to help tackle gambling addiction in a good way.  Good or bad?

It's good and bad at the same time. This might be the reason to start seeing fresh addict knowing there is opportunity to be rescued by this initiative. They'll be like ehh don't worry about being addicted, you can get a share from this fund to fix back your life so you are free to gamble to core. People are more careful when they are hold responsible for their actions. This initiative is likely to create more reckless gamblers.

For genuine players who are ready to make a turn and fix their lives, the support would go a long way for them.

[Gozie51]

Due to corrupt among some community groups or enterprises, the question of whether those groups that will be qualified to apply for this fund will actually use it for the right purpose or they will keep it to them self is something that I thought about.  What is your two SATs?

This is a good initiative for addicts in gambling and generally for those who need such funds. I have a problem with managing this kind of initiative because at the end of the day it may not get to the actual targeted group. I know there are addicts but at the same time, there are chronic addicts that such help should go to as they are helpless. But how can this be verified? Which is always the challenge when government come up with this kind of good supportive program. After the two years initial life span of the initiative, you will begin to get evidence of how the financial allocation went into personal pockets.

There is no service like this in my country, addicted gamblers are going through the problems on their own, so I am jealous  of gamblers in Wales, their government is doing its best to help tackle gambling addiction in a good way.  Good or bad?

This kind of project is mostly successful in smaller countries where you can easily identify communities, groups and individual by which verification of those targeted for it is easier. Otherwise, the good effort may be defeated. So size of a country matters too in the success of it. It is a good initiative from the wale government no doubt and hopefully it reaches the needed people.

You can't fake addiction, because it puts you in great discomfort and loss, like in gambling right now, you will have to lose everything you have just to be a part of those benefiting some funds thats not going to be enough, this is crazy.

However, it is not going to be easy task identifying those who are suppose to get the benefit. At most forms will be distributed for people or they go through the internet portals that will be opened for them, the affected and non affected would find their way into feeling the forms and that is how you see people claiming what they are not or applying as third party on behalf of the addicted..

Well, the good thing is that it also covers other aspects like::

Funding will prioritize projects working with high-risk groups, including residents facing financial hardship and those in the criminal justice system.

[Natalim]

I hope the fund will be used properly, but honestly I’m not sure how much it can really help.

Gamblers are not the same as drug addicts. A lot of us gamble because we want entertainment, but the problem is we are not always honest when it already becomes too much.

And if we ever need help, I dont think many gamblers will feel comfortable talking to strangers or some community group funded by the government. Most would probably rather talk to family first, because that feels more private and easier to trust.

@Gozie51 ( you messed with you post.. you double posted)..

[Synchronice]

They can request up to £75,000 annually? That's a lot of money. Anyways, I believe that the fairest help would be psychological help and cognitive-behavior therapy because money can't help alone these people but psychological help can change their life and help them beat their gambling addiction. By the way, to be completely honest, I wouldn't be happy if I were the citizen of UK, especially living in the part of Wales, to see how taxpayers money goes into pockets of those who are addicted to gambling. Why am I so harsh? Because an adult person should be responsible for his actions. Why I don't develop addiction to gambling but others do? Work on your own self, control your mind and don't let mind control you, it's simple.

[Maslate]

They can request up to £75,000 annually? That's a lot of money.

It says only qualified groups can apply, so there will be screening before they receive the money.

I dont think the government would allocate this fund without monitoring it, especially since its meant to solve a specific problem. So for now we just have to trust the process.

At least they are doing something that could help addicted gamblers. Im sure the use of the funds will be evaluated later, so lets see the outcome. Personally I dont doubt them, I believe it will be used properly.

[TheUltraElite]

More than the gamblers who appear to get addicted just to get the monetary fund, which seems absurd as to why the gamblers who only want one thing in life - money for free are being provided of the same by the scheme only.

Still there will be some people who get helped by the scheme, ones who are actually willing to control their addiction and eventually move on from it.

But just like any other fund, money will get siphoned off to people who are laundering it and that will never stop.

[Tungbulu]

I honestly think this is in fact a good one, if of course the funds are actually used for what it’s really intended for. But like we already know, stuffs like this can actually be abused, so it’s crucial to make sure that there’s a proper oversight. And about folks deliberately stepping into gambling addiction simply because they intend to benefit from this scheme, I don’t think stuffs like that is most likely to happen because the amount harm that gambling addiction would cause to its victims is usually far more serious and severe than whatever benefit they’ll every get from this initiative, except of course such a fellow is just stupid.

[Gozie51]

I hope the fund will be used properly, but honestly I’m not sure how much it can really help.

Gamblers are not the same as drug addicts. A lot of us gamble because we want entertainment, but the problem is we are not always honest when it already becomes too much.

I think drug addiction is a more serious problem to tackle which should involve the government. Maybe they would have channeled it to that area and take some people out of the street, except they don't have such people. But what I think is gambling addiction is what can be easily solved within the family or community circle by distancing the addict from apparatus that supports gambling away from him, if it does not include drugs also. Wales is a pretty small country and probably they will succeed in their effort but gambling addiction is not a serious matter in Nigeria unlike drug addiction which is really pushing youths out of their senses and putting them in the streets.

@Gozie51 ( you messed with you post.. you double posted)..

Thank you friend for calling my attention to that. I have deleted it.

[Ziskinberg]

Wales is a pretty small country and probably they will succeed in their effort but gambling addiction is not a serious matter in Nigeria unlike drug addiction which is really pushing youths out of their senses and putting them in the streets.

If they really want to succeed, maybe they should focus more on prevention and not only on the cure.

What I mean is, if gambling addiction is becoming common because gambling is too easy and affordable, why not make it more expensive to enter. For example increase the minimum deposit, so the people who can gamble are those who really have the capacity to lose that money.

If they do something like that, then I would say they are really serious about solving the problem.

But if they only keep giving funds after people are already addicted, then maybe its just for show and they are not really fixing the root cause.