1. Introduction

Newmilns Regeneration Association operates Love Newmilns Lotto with the sole purpose of raising funds for the Newmilns and Greenholm area.

It is important that our monthly lottery provides a fun way for people to support their local community but that it never has a detrimental effect. We are therefore committed to ensuring that the lottery is operated in a secure, fair and socially responsible way.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest. The regulatory framework introduced by the Gambling Act 2005 is based on the following licensing objectives:

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

This document sets out the approach that Newmilns Regeneration Association adopts to ensure we approach gambling activities in a socially responsible way.

2. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder

When an individual joins the lottery we will check that:

• The individual is aged 16 or over
  
• The individual is resident in the UK
  
• We will retain the right to cancel any membership should we suspect criminal activity
  
• Limit the maximum number of entries to 4 per individual player per month

3. 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

4. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

Newmilns Regeneration Association will not permit vulnerable people or any person under the age of 16 to participate in the lottery. The charity has implemented the following procedures to ensure that its lottery does not attract children under the age of 16.

• Each lottery membership form has a compulsory date of birth section which must be completed before the application can be accepted.
  
• If a person enters the lottery stating that they are over the age of 16 and subsequently it is found that they are less than 16 years of age, they will have any money paid in relation to the Lottery returned to them and where relevant will automatically forfeit the right to any prize money.
  
• Marketing – to ensure that our lottery does not appeal to children or young people, or other vulnerable adults including the elderly, mentally disabled and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, careful attention is paid to the design and content of all marketing material.

5. Promotion of social responsibility in gambling

Newmilns Regeneration Association takes the following steps to ensure the promotion of social responsibility in gambling:

• Self exclusion – on request we will close any player’s lottery membership(s) and will try to ensure that the individual does not attempt to open a new membership.
  
• Newmilns Regeneration Association has imposed limits on the number of entries (4 per month) into the lottery that can be purchased by an individual.
  
• Access to player history – we will provide any player with the full history of their lottery membership, including complete payment and winnings history on request.
  
• Provide information on gambling support organisations – we will provide contact details and links on our website to relevant/appropriate organisations.
  
• Self-help and awareness information – we will provide contact details and links to relevant/appropriate organisations on our website. 

6. Problem Gambling

Whilst the majority of people do gamble within their means, for some gambling can become a problem. It may help you to keep gambling in 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

Or, if you are concerned about the amount you are gambling and feel it is taking over your (or someone else’s) life then the following questions may help you assess whether gambling is becoming a problem:

• 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 has gone, even leaving nothing for 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.

Contact Gamble Aware – a registered charity that provides confidential telephone support and counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling. You can find more information and help about problem gambling by visiting the Gamble Aware website or calling 0345 6000 133 (8 am to midnight, seven days a week).

7. Useful links

Gamble Aware www.begambleaware.org

Gamblers Anonymous www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Gambling Commission www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk