The UAE Lottery, operated by The Game LLC under the oversight of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), has partnered with Takalam, an AI-driven mental health platform, in a groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration, officially launched in November 2024, aims to prioritize player well-being by addressing gambling-related behavioral challenges and promoting responsible gaming practices.
Through this partnership, a dedicated mini-site—accessible at Takalam—has been unveiled to provide participants with valuable resources, including educational articles, videos, and unlimited free online counseling and coaching sessions. This initiative demonstrates the UAE Lottery’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive gaming environment.
Comprehensive Tools for Responsible Gaming
The partnership focuses on equipping players with tools to manage their gaming behavior and make informed decisions. Takalam’s confidential and user-friendly platform serves as a critical component of this mission. It helps individuals navigate behavioral challenges while preserving privacy, making it easier for those struggling with gaming habits to seek help.
James Boyles, Group Director of Responsible Gaming at The Game LLC, expressed pride in the initiative, stating:
“We are proud to collaborate with Takalam to further our commitment to players’ well-being and responsible gaming. This partnership underscores our dedication to providing players with access to mental health resources and fostering a safe, supportive lottery environment for all.”
Takalam’s founder and CEO, Khawla Hammad, highlighted the importance of balancing gaming enjoyment with mental health awareness. She emphasized the role of early intervention, saying:
“At Takalam, we were happy to respond to The UAE Lottery’s call to support its mission in promoting well-being within the lottery industry. This initiative underscores the importance of recognizing when gaming begins to negatively impact mental well-being and offers support to help individuals regain balance.”
Measures to Promote Safe Gaming
The UAE Lottery has implemented a range of preventive strategies to ensure a responsible gaming environment:
- Age Restrictions: Participation is limited to individuals aged 18 and above.
- Self-Exclusion Programs: Players can voluntarily restrict their access to gaming platforms.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educational efforts highlight the importance of healthy gaming habits.
- Geo-Fencing: Technology is used to regulate access and maintain compliance.
These measures are complemented by Takalam’s offerings, which include resources designed to address gambling-related challenges and promote mental health awareness. The UAE Lottery’s initiatives reflect a proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with gaming while preserving its entertainment value.
A Regional Benchmark in Responsible Gaming
As the first regulated lottery in the Gulf region, the UAE Lottery has set a high standard for responsible gaming. Its partnership with Takalam exemplifies its dedication to creating a safer gaming environment while addressing broader concerns about gambling’s impact on mental health.
Through education, counseling, and a focus on early intervention, this initiative strives to foster a culture of responsible gaming, making the UAE Lottery a leader in the integration of mental well-being and gaming practices.
Source:
UAE Lottery, Takalam unveil wellness initiative, gulfbusiness.com, December 23, 2024.