Merkur UK has become the first gambling brand to sponsor the Social Responsibility Exchange organized by UK trade association Bacta. The Exchange provides a forum for consumer-facing industry staff to share their insights and experience of engaging with machine players across a range of scenarios.
The event, which will take place on 31st October at the IET Austin Court, will feature a keynote speech from Mandy Gill, the Gambling Commission’s Director of Industry and Specialist Knowledge.
Tony Boulton, Director of Public and Political Relations at Merkur UK, said of the sponsorship: “Three years ago we launched Merkur UK’s 360 Program which served to crystalize our commitment to safer gambling across the family of Merkur UK brands. Throughout this period 360 has delivered a practical program of initiatives with all of our brands undergoing responsible gambling audits undertaken by the internationally recognized G4 consultancy and with staff participating in YGAM’s City and Guilds assured safer gambling training.”
Tony Boulton
Boulton added: “We are very clear that safer gambling is a culture which team members need to live by and that can only be achieved courtesy of on-going training and development which has its roots in providing staff with the skills to identify customers who may be experiencing problems and the confidence to engage in a positive way.”
According to Boulton, Bacta’s SR Exchange, with its emphasis on sharing experiences and insight, enables staff to learn from each other and take those invaluable lessons back into their venues. “We are delighted to support such a powerful initiative,” he pointed out.
John White
John White, Bacta’s Executive Director, commented: “Bacta members have made great strides in terms of their commitment to safer gambling and initiatives such as the 360 Program have contributed to the record low levels of problem gambling which now exist in the UK.”