Social Responsibility in Gambling

The Hospice Lottery Partnership (HLP)  are committed to providing a secure, fair and socially responsible service and to endorse responsible gambling amongst members of the public using any of HLP’s services or products.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest. The regulatory framework introduced by the Gambling Act 2005 is based on three licensing objectives:

1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and  disorder, or being used to support crime.
2. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
3. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

This document sets out HLP’s policies and approach to ensuring we approach any gambling activities in a socially responsible way.

1. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.

As a Lottery Manager, HLP has responsibility for the promotion of the lottery, we will ensure that:

Players have access to clear information on matters such as the rules of the game, the prizes that are available and the chances of winning.

The rules are fair.

Any advertising and promotional material is clear and not misleading.

The results are made public.

2. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

As a Lottery Manager, HLP has responsibility for the promotion of the lottery; we will address the following issues:

Under age Gambling. It is illegal for individuals under the age of 16 to enter into a lottery. When joining a lottery, individuals will be required to sign a declaration confirming that they are 16 or over and may also be required to provide their date of birth. Any individual found to be under 16 will not be able to purchase an entry into the lottery. If upon winning any individual is unable to prove that they are 16 or over then any winnings will be forfeited.
Gambling Limits. HLP imposes limits on the value of entries into a lottery that can be purchased by an individual.
Self-Exclusion. On request, we will close any player’s lottery membership(s) for a minimum period of six months during which time the membership(s) cannot be reinstated. During this period we will also try to ensure that the individual does not try and open a new membership.
Access to Player History. We will provide any player with a full history of their lottery membership, including complete payment and winnings history upon request.
Provide Information on Gambling Support Organisations. We will provide contact details or links on any lottery websites or via other appropriate media to GamCare and other relevant / appropriate organisations.

Self Help and Awareness Information.
We will provide self help and awareness information on any lottery websites or other appropriate media together with links to or contact details of GamCare and other relevant / appropriate organisations.
Staff Training. All relevant staff receive awareness training on problem gambling issues.

We will assist the organisation in ensuring that the above criteria are met and liaise with the Gambling Commission where appropriate.

Appendix 1
Example information that may be provided on a lottery website.

Responsible Gambling

Whilst the majority of people do gamble within their means, for some gambling can become a problem. It may help you to keep control to remember the following:
Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way of making money
Avoid chasing losses
Only gamble what you can afford to lose
Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling
If you want to have a break from gambling you can use our self-exclusion option by emailing us at info@hospospicelottery.org.uk with your name, address and membership number(s). We will then close your membership(s) for a minimum period of 6 months, during which time it will not be possible for the account(s) to be re- opened for any reason.
If you need to talk to someone about problem gambling then contact GamCare.
GamCare is a registered charity that provides confidential telephone support and counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling. GamCare can be contacted on  0845 6000 133 (local rate from UK).

Problem Gambling

If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your (or someone else’s life) then the following questions may help you find out:

• Do you stay away from work, college or school to gamble?
• Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
• When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
• Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
• Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
• Have others ever criticised your gambling?
• Have you lost interest in your family, friends or hobbies?
• After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
• Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?

The more you answer ‘yes’ to these questions, the more likely you are to have a serious gambling problem. To speak to someone about this contact the GamCare confidential helpline on  0845 6000 133 or visit their website www.gamcare.org.uk for further information.