A unique, immersive and free pop-up film that warns about the dangers of gambling addiction is coming to Rochdale.

The award-winning and critically-acclaimed Inside Odds On will transform an empty shop at the Rochdale Exchange shopping centre into a mesmerising, immersive underwater betting shop with this ground-breaking installation.

Between Saturday 5 to Saturday 19 October theatre company Dante or Die will provide a 40-minute simulated experience where the audience is put in the shoes of a woman battling the highs and lows of gambling.

The film was created in consultation with people with lived experience of gambling harm, using their own words, and is inspired by their openness and creativity as they reflect on their journey towards recovery through Gordon Moody gambling recovery centres throughout the UK.

Inside Odds On is part of Rochdale’s Cultural Development fund programme, a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund administered by Arts Council England, and is a deep dive into the world of online gambling and the impact gambling addiction has on people’s lives.

Audiences will be given opportunities to watch the film as well as learn about the making of it and discover resources and support information for gambling issues. 

Councillor Daalat Ali, Rochdale Borough Council’s joint deputy leader and cabinet member for health, said: “As part of our Rochdale Creates programme we have teamed up with local organisations such as Hopwood Hall College and Rochdale Exchange shopping centre to bring meaningful engagement work to our communities, and working with a renowned theatre company who have brought this thought provoking experience to Rochdale for audiences for free.

“Everyone touched by gambling issues faces challenges and this free pop-up experience shows the challenges of people trapped in this world.

“We want more people to be able to openly talk about these issues and to know how to access the support services we have available.”

Inside Odds On will be fully accessible to wheelchair users. The interactive film is creatively captioned and an audio-described version is available at all times.

The films presented contain gambling (live play, images, sounds, slot simulation) and discussions around lived experience of gambling which may be triggering to people with a gambling addiction or who are in recovery.

There will be support and safeguarding services present and a full support pack will be available for anyone who may be affected by the issues raised in the production.

The installation is for anyone aged 18 and over.

Free tickets are available here or you can walk in for free: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inside-odds-on-tickets