NEW TRUSTEE AT GAMCARE

18 May 2007

Responsible gambling organisation welcomes former gaming exec

Gamcare, the responsible gambling body based in the UK has appointed a new member to its Board of Trustees. President of the board, Lord Andrew McIntosh welcomed Simon Thomas, an experienced gaming executive, aboard last month.

Thomas is an Honours graduate from Bristol University who worked in London's merchant banking sector before joining bingo and gaming management company Thomas Estates, where he became managing director. The group was sold to Riva Gaming in August last year.

Thomas Estates was widely acknowledged as one of the main innovators in the bingo and amusement industry in the UK. Amongst a large number of other venues, Thomas Estates ran Beacon Bingo in Cricklewood, the largest and most successful bingo club in the UK.

The youngest ever President of the industry trade association, BACTA, Thomas remains a pro-active member of its principal committee, and was also a member of the equivalent committee of the Bingo Association. His various roles led to high level involvement with the UK Government, MPs, the Gambling Commission, Department of Culture, Media & Sport and HMRC.
He has had Gaming Board certification for over 15 years and is currently chairman of United Leisure Gaming Limited.

Anthony Jennens, Chairman of GamCare, said: “The Trustees of GamCare are all delighted that Simon has joined the Board. Simon has been a staunch supporter of GamCare over the years and an invaluable member of our Industry Liaison Group. His wide knowledge of the gambling industry, his agile brain and youthful energy will contribute greatly to the strengthening of the Board.”

GamCare has a commitment to promote responsible attitudes to gambling and to work for the provision of proper care for those who have been harmed by gambling dependency. The organisation strives to develop strategies that will improve understanding of the social impact of gambling, promote a responsible approach to gambling and address the needs of those adversely affected by a gambling dependency.

GamCare offers a variety of care services and communication channels for those who are affected by problem gambling. Individuals can receive information, advice, support or counselling through a National Helpline, one to one counselling, or email service. In addition to an online forum for members, GamCare is launching an online counselling service in 2007.

GamCare’s national helpline telephone number is 0845 6000 133. GamCare’s NetLine is available at www.gamcare.org.uk.

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