GambleAware has revealed that it has received contributions from the gambling industry totaling £46.5m within the 12-month period that ended on March 31, 2023. It was disclosed by the charity that the majority of these donations had been volunteered by the four major companies in the regulated industry of the United Kingdom.
It was estimated that 92% of the money had come from these four companies. The donations reported showed an increase from the previous report’s figures, which had amounted to £30.9m. These donations were made in anticipation of the companies’ commitment to increasing their contributions from 0.1% of company gross gaming revenue to 1% starting in 2023/2024.
GambleAware took the opportunity to express its opinion on the newly proposed statutory levy presented in the Government’s Gambling White Paper. It argued that the idea was appropriate, stating that a dedicated statutory levy for research, prevention, and treatment (RET) funding would be a better way to finance this particular area rather than relying on voluntary donations.
However, it should be noted that the White Paper is currently in the consultation phase, and it will take some time before it is introduced, approved, and any subsequent changes are implemented. Zoë Osmond, the Chief Executive of GambleAware, commented on the latest results, stating that the organization required funding to effectively deliver the National Gambling Support Network, emphasizing the charity’s commitment to preventing gambling harm.
Gambling companies are exploiting addicts and disproportionately hitting poorer communities, the culture secretary said as she announced curbs on the industry to tackle addictionhttps://t.co/xlRPlIPslO
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) April 26, 2023
Osmond explained that they were pleased with the government’s plans to introduce a statutory levy as outlined in its Gambling White Paper, as it would provide stable funding. She also expressed her hope to see the government promptly implement the levy.