Dh100 million UAE Lottery moves to protect participants from rash behaviour
AI-powered mental well-being platform to provide support to individuals at risk
Abu Dhabi: Operators of the Dh100 million UAE Lottery are out to ensure responsible gaming behaviour among participants.
The Game LLC, the licensed operator of the lottery, appointed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), today announced that it has tied up with Takalam, an AI-powered mental well-being platform, to support individuals at risk of developing unhealthy gaming behaviours.
A dedicated mini-site (https://getsupport.takalamhere.com/) has been set up with relevant resources such as videos, articles and online counseling and coaching sessions, the operator said.
Extreme situations
On Deecember 12, Gulf News carried a special story on how people keep buying lottery tickets despite slim chances of winning.
Clinical Psychologist Anamika Vajpeyi had said, “Buying lotteries might become a defense mechanism against stress and anxiety of day-to-day life. In certain cases, it might give the lottery buyers an illusion of control; which might make them interpret lottery purchase as an investment - a calculated risk.”
She had also cautioned lottery ticket buyers that, “In some cases globally, the urge to keep buying tickets can become harder to control, even though the odds of winning are low. So, people must be aware and not slip into such a situation.”
Signs to watch out for include spending more money; feeling anxious or irritable; chasing losses; damaging relationships; or becoming overdependent on others.
“In such scenarios, we advise people to seek help from a mental health professional,” she had said.
How Takalam will help
The Takalam platform will provide participants with comprehensive tools and personalised support for responsible gaming.
Acoording to the operator, its confidential, user-friendly platform addresses mental health needs and helps individuals manage behavioural challenges while making informed decisions.
James Boyles, Group Director for Responsible Gaming, said: “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.”
The Game has implemented a series of preventive measures to identify at-risk individuals early and provide necessary interventions before gaming behaviour becomes problematic. These include age restrictions, self-exclusion programmes, awareness campaigns and geo-fencing. The initiatives aim to equip participants with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and cultivate healthy gaming habits.
Khawla Hammad, Founder and CEO of Takalam, said, “At Takalam, we were happy to respond to The UAE Lottery’s call to support their 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. Takalam is committed to providing tools that proactively address mental health issues within various communities to create a healthier environment where mental health support is destigmatized and accessible.”
If participants have concerns or questions about their own gaming patterns, Takalam offers a safe space for everyone, without the fear of compromising privacy or confidentiality.