Social Responsibility and Responsible Gambling Policy
Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Purpose and Scope
  3. Duties and Responsibilities
  4. Monitoring Compliance and Effectiveness

1. Introduction
Red House Farm Football Club (RHFFC) operates a Small Society Lottery for the general public, for the sole purpose of raising funds for RHFFC.
The Society is committed to ensuring that the lottery is operated in a secure, fair and socially responsible way and to endorse responsible gambling amongst its members.
The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest. The regulatory framework introduced by the Gambling Act 2005 is based on three licensing objectives:

  1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime.
  2. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
  3. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

2. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the Societies policies and approach to ensuring we approach any gambling activities in a socially responsible way.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
Preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder
When an individual purchases a lottery ticket, we will check that:

  • The individual is aged 16 or over.
  • The individual is resident in the UK.
  • We also retain the right to cancel any ticket should we suspect criminal activity.
  • We limit the maximum number of entries to £10 per person per week.
  • We do not accept memberships.

Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way. We will ensure that:

  • Players have access to clear information on matters such as the rules of the lottery, the prizes that are available and the chances of winning.
  • The rules are fair.
  • Any advertising and promotional material is clear and not misleading.
  • The results are made public.

Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
We will use our best endeavours to address the following issues:

  • Under age Gambling. It is illegal for individuals under the age of 16 to enter into a lottery. If for whatever reason, upon winning any individual is unable to prove that they are 16 or over then any winnings will be forfeited.
  • Gambling Limits. The Society may impose limits on the value of entries into a lottery that can be purchased by an individual.
  • Self-Exclusion. On request, we will exclude any player’s from purchasing lottery ticket (s) for a minimum period of six months during which time any tickets cannot be purchased. During this period we will also try to ensure that the individual does not try and purchase tickets.
  • Provide information on Gambling Support Organisations. We will provide contact details or links on any lottery websites or via other appropriate media to GamCare and other relevant / appropriate organisations.
  • Self Help and Awareness Information. We will provide self help and awareness information on any lottery websites or other appropriate media together with links to or contact details of GamCare and other relevant / appropriate organisations.

Gamble safely

Playing our lottery is a way to support a worthwhile local charity and gives the entrants the chance to win a cash prize every week. In common with all society lotteries it represents a very small risk of encouraging people below 16 years of age to participate or to induce people to gamble to excess.
Whilst the majority of people do gamble within their means, for some gambling can become a problem. It may help you to keep control to remember the following:

  • Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way of making money
  • Avoid chasing losses
  • Only gamble what you can afford to lose
  • Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling
  • If you want to have a break from gambling you can use our self-exclusion option by requesting a self-exclusion form a info@redhousefarmjfc.co.uk. We will then exclude you from entering the lottery for a minimum period of 6 months, during which time it will not be possible to purchase a ticket for any reason.
  • If you need to talk to someone about problem gambling then contact GamCare.
  • GamCare is a registered charity that provides confidential telephone support and counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling. GamCare can be contacted on 0845 6000 133 (local rate from UK).
  • Problem Gambling.
    If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your (or someone else’s life) then the following questions may help you find out:
  • Do you stay away from work, college or school to gamble?
  • Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
  • When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
  • Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
  • Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
  • Have others ever criticised your gambling?
  • Have you lost interest in your family, friends or hobbies?
  • After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
  • Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
  • Do you feel depressed or even suicidal because of your gambling?

The more you answer yes to these questions, the more likely you are to have a serious gambling problem. To speak to someone about this contact the GamCare confidential helpline on 0845 6000 133 or visit their website at www.gamcare.org.uk for further information.

4. Monitoring Compliance and Effectiveness
Compliance and effectiveness will be monitored on an on-going basis by the Lottery Manager (Linda Gardiner). Non-compliance will be dealt with by the Lottery Manager in the first instance and then escalated to the Treasurer of the club Margaret Smith, in the second and finally to the club Chairman Alan Lewis or club Secretary Barry Mann.