Gambling addicts are given the opportunity to help themselves

The self-help website for gambling addicts created by the association “Skalbes” was opened today, where descriptions and video materials are available on what to do if a person is addicted to gambling, the agency LETA was informed by the association “Skalbes”.

During the opening of the website, Santa Laimiņa, member of the board of the association “Skalbe” and coordinator of the support phone for gambling addicts and their peers, admitted that until now the support phone number 29 323 202 was the only specialized phone support for those who face the effects of gambling. With the help of professional counselors, callers can recognize the signs of addiction, find out the most effective forms of treatment, and also learn what the first steps are to begin the fight against addiction.

“It is a great pleasure that, with the support of the industry, we have managed to implement another socially important initiative to promote public education and deepen understanding of gambling addiction. The website adds to the range of tools available so far, which provide people with support in the fight against gambling addiction,” said Laimiņa.

The website “www.azartaatkariba.lv” is intended as a tool for several audiences – people who have developed an addiction, as well as fellow human beings and specialists who face gambling addiction in their everyday life.

On the website, interested parties have the opportunity to contact the association’s specialists and ask a question also in writing, in the form of an anonymous e-mail. Until now, consultations were provided via the support phone number 29 323 202, which will continue to be available every day from 12:00 to 20:00 without holidays.

“Skalbes” emphasizes that one of the tools to help oneself, if symptoms of gambling addiction have been detected, is to include oneself in the register of self-denied persons, which has been in operation since 2020. It includes individuals who have denied themselves access to gambling sites and interactive gambling sites. The registry has proven to be an effective mechanism for protecting players’ interests, the association says.