GamCare increases digital presence with new online offerings

MyGamCare, a free-to-access, online portal, has been designed to help users self-manage their journey by understanding how gambling may be impacting their time, relationships, money and wellbeing.

The portal allows users to set goals, view content that is personalised to them, track their moods and access resources to help and support them in their journey with gambling.

MyGamCare will run as an extension to the National Gambling Helpline, which GamCare has operated for over 25 years. In January, the helpline attracted a record number of calls with more than 3,700 online chats and calls, up 17% year-on-year.

As part of its digital push, GamCare will expand the National Gambling Helpline so that users can contact the service online through both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

“With almost four in five people who used our services last year citing issues with online gambling, we know that the nature of gambling has changed significantly over the last 10 years and that more can be done to reach people when and where the harm is occurring,” GamCare chief executive Anna Hemmings said.

“With the introduction of MyGamCare – along with our WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger capabilities – we hope to open the door for people to get help sooner and to reach out for support in a way that works for them. 

“We know how difficult making that first step can be and how many people might not feel at a stage to talk about their gambling yet. It’s important that the options are there for people to start that journey in whichever way they are most comfortable.”