SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) has endorsed GambleAware’s five-year strategy, which includes a commitment to raising £10 million a year to tackle gambling-related harm.
The RGSB has published its formal advice to the Gambling Commission on the level of funding required for research, education and treatment. The RGSB Board, chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly, determined that a minimum of £9.3m will be required next year, excluding the costs of commissioning.
The paper sets out an independent assessment of the amount of funding required, focusing on the costs that are likely to fall on GambleAware. This needs to be raised from the gambling industry and other relevant stakeholders who are committed to minimising gambling-related harm.
Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said: “We encourage all those who profit from gambling to donate to support the vital work we fund. We ask for just 10p for every £100 of profit they make. This responsibility falls mainly on those who hold gambling licences, but we also look to professional sport, broadcasters and advertising industry to recognise their obligations to those who suffer harm related to gambling.”
Sir Christopher Kelly, RGSB Chairman, said: “When we published the strategy, we said its success was dependent on sufficient funds being made available to support its delivery. We encourage everyone with a responsibility for the delivery of the strategy, particularly the gambling industry, to ensure they are playing their part in meeting this commitment. Channelling funding through GambleAware helps provide a coordinated approach leading to better value for money and more impact.”
Under the terms of an agreement reached between the industry, the regulator and ministers in 2012, GambleAware was granted responsibility for raising the funds required to deliver the National Responsible Gambling Strategy.
As such, GambleAware acts as the commissioner of research, education and treatment services from a wide range of organisations across Great Britain, ensuring funds are allocated and spent effectively. To date, ministers have relied upon this voluntary system, but if this approach fails to generate sufficient funds, the Gambling Act 2005 allows for a levy to be imposed instead.
