November marks National Responsible Gambling Awareness Month, and Hollywoodbets, through their Hollywood Foundation, reaffirms its dedication to promoting awareness and education on responsible gambling practices.
As a community-focused betting operator, Hollywoodbets is committed to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment, empowering individuals to make informed choices while enjoying their favourite games responsibly.
Through this initiative, Hollywoodbets and the Hollywood Foundation aim to foster a culture of accountability and support within the gambling community, reinforcing their long-standing mission to prioritise player well-being.
In its third year, the partnership with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) continues to make significant strides in promoting responsible gambling. The collaboration has focused on combating underage illegal gambling through the Taking Risk Wisely school’s programme conducted by the SARGF.
Vuyisile Ngobese, Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer, states that the programme from SARGF’s National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) are crucial for those who are struggling with gambling challenges. “Through this partnership we have reached over 70 schools across all nine provinces in South Africa, it has also reached over 2000 teachers benefiting over 75 000 learners.”
SARGF recognises the importance of providing Free and Confidential Treatment and Counselling to those affected by Problem Gambling and their immediate family members. In addition to the school programme the Hollywood Foundation included the sponsorship of two counsellors who will be on standby everyday, for a year to assist callers who need support in dealing with their gambling related problems.
The Hollywood Foundation is proud to announce an additional sponsorship of R500,000 towards the schools’ programme, reinforcing its commitment to fostering education and awareness around responsible gambling. This expanded support also includes increased funding to provide for five dedicated counsellors, ensuring accessible and effective assistance for those facing gambling-related challenges.
The counsellors will be on the line to promote responsible gambling within various communities by offering professional, confidential and free services. These services include an initial referral assessment, a referral to the nearest treatment professional, a cognitive assessment by the treatment professional, and an analysis and application of the types of treatment required for the callers who seek assistance.
“The proactive response and commitment from Hollywoodbets and the Hollywood Foundation has provided the Foundation an opportunity to scale our reach to minors, not only to provide information through awareness but also provide psychotherapeutic intervention to minors impacted directly or indirectly by problem gambling said Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, SARGF Executive Director.
To cement our commitment further towards a safe gambling society Hollywoodbets were given two awards by SARGF for their efforts as an operator that goes above and beyond in their commitments towards the well-being of their customers.
