Ygam proudly marks its 10th anniversary as a trailblazer in gambling harm prevention. The milestone is not only a testament to a decade of unwavering commitment but also a recognition of the significant support garnered from Parliamentarians, charity leaders, and academics.
Over the past ten years, Ygam has spearheaded evidence-based programs that have reached a staggering 3 million children and young people. The charity’s impact extends beyond numbers, with over 17,000 delegates, including more than 11,000 teachers, benefiting from its initiatives. This achievement showcases Ygam’s commitment to proactive and impactful measures against gambling harm.
Rt Hon. Stuart Andrew MP, Gambling Minister, praises Ygam’s contribution, stating, “Our gambling White Paper proposes a number of significant steps to protect young people from gambling harm, including consulting on lower thresholds for financial risk checks and a lower online slot stake limit for 18-24-year-olds. I congratulate Ygam on their 10th anniversary and we will continue to work closely together with them to prevent young people from gambling harm.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, Shadow Minister for Media, Gambling, and Sport, acknowledges the changing dynamics in gaming and gambling over the past decade, commenting, “Over the last decade, the landscape for gaming and gambling has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when you had to walk to the bookies to place a bet, casinos are now available in our pockets. Amid this change, organisations like Ygam have been doing crucial, proactive work – raising awareness, conducting research and educating young people – so that future generations can be better protected from gambling harm.”
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, underscores the serious public health issue of gambling harm, asserting, “Gambling harm is a serious public health issue and Ygam plays a valuable role in working to protect young people and children from gambling harm. I congratulate them on their decade of hard work to address this important issue.”
Numerous stakeholders and partners have voiced their support for Ygam’s 10th-anniversary milestone. Figures like Ged Flynn (CEO at Papyrus), Vicky Shotbolt (CEO, Parent Zone), Monica Shafaq (CEO, Gordon Moody), Margot Daly (Chair, GamCare), and Fiona Palmer (CEO, Gamstop) have all expressed their appreciation for Ygam’s relentless efforts.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Ygam’s success. The charity has engaged in fruitful partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to gambling harm prevention. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of initiatives that go beyond awareness and extend to comprehensive training programs.
Ygam’s 10th-anniversary year promises to be more than a mere celebration. The charity plans a series of campaigns, events, and announcements that will not only commemorate the past decade but also set the stage for continued dedication to the cause of preventing gambling harm.