In early September, some of the Gordon Moody team went to the European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) conference in Oslo to present sessions about our women’s residential programme; the use of AI to identify and intervene with problematic gamblers; and how to clinically supervise an online global team supporting problem gamblers.
What is the EASG?
The EASG aims to increase the level of dialogue between its members representing various aspects of gambling. The association provides a forum for the study, discussion, and dissemination of knowledge about all matters relating to the study of gambling in Europe.
Day one
The team attended and contributed to an informative workshop hosted by Fulvia Prever titled ‘New hints on women and gambling problems after the pandemic experience’. The team were able to share their points of view and discuss potential improvements in our women’s treatment programme. Since launching our women’s service in 2021, our residential treatment service for women has gone from strength to strength, helping women reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling harm.
After a long first day, all conference attendees were invited to attend to attend the FIFA Women’s World Cup UEFA qualifier match between Norway and Albania. The team enjoyed the match and the chance to network with fellow attendees. Norway won the match 5-0.
Day two
The conference was officially opened by a speech from the Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, Anette Trettebergstuen. The theme of the 2022 conference was connecting difference.
The gambling industry in Norway is state owned and therefore very different than the rest of the world. There is a big focus on social responsibility and all gambling activities are known to the state and data is collected.
Harp Edwards, our Women’s Treatment Centre Manager, presented in the afternoon during the session titled ‘New Frontiers in Women Disorders: An international female perspective in clinic and research’. Harp spoke about our women’s treatment programme and provided insights and learnings from our programme.
During the discussion part of the session, it was interesting to see that data from Italy, Norway and the UK shows that gambling harm develops quicker in women than in men.
After another busy day at conference, all attendees were invited by The City of Oslo to a reception at the City Hall, meeting the Mayor of Oslo – Marianne Borgen.
The interior of the City Hall was very beautiful and gave the team lots of shots to upload to their Instagram accounts!
Day three
The conference theme of connecting differences ran through all the sessions and included strong references to inclusion and the role of women in gambling. Day three started with an insightful panel discussion on women and gambling and leadership.
In the afternoon sessions, Paul Dent, Strategic Engagement Lead at Gordon Moody, spoke in collaboration with Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO of Mindway AI. Their session was titled ‘Identifying and intervening with problematic gamblers through the use of AI‘.
Day four
The final day of the conference had arrived and today Paul would be presenting with Rob Mabbett, Director of External Engagement at Gordon Moody, a session titled ‘Clinically supervising an online team globally supporting problem gamblers’.
Gambling Therapy is a global service offered by Gordon Moody, providing free practical advice and emotional support for anyone affected by gambling. Live text-based support allows users to speak directly with an experienced advisor about their own gambling issues, or if they are worried about someone else.
After a farewell lunch with the other attendees, the team began their long journey back to the UK.
Why attend EASG?
Representing Gordon Moody at the EASG conference is very important. We constantly optimise our prevention and treatment interventions and hearing new research and evidence helps us shape our treatment services.