SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
According to recent figures released by GambleAware, UK operators GVC Holdings, William Hill and bet365 have topped the list of donations received by the charity, having given a combined amount of over £3.3m in 2018/19.
GambleAware published its list of donations for the twelve months ending 31 March 2019. It has been pointed out that GVC Holdings, the umbrella group for Ladbrokes and Coral, had donated over £1.46m to the charity during the year. William Hill was recognised for its £1m donation, while bet365 had donated £868,000 over the year.
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, commented: “At a time when GambleAware has moved to be completely independent of the gambling industry, it is encouraging that fundraising has reached a record £9.6 million in the last 12 months. This is still below the minimum of £10 million we had asked for but with the help of £7.3 million in regulatory settlements we are well placed to deliver our strategic priorities.
“GambleAware is at the forefront of commissioning a National Gambling Treatment Service, working with the NHS and others such as Citizens Advice to help direct people to the right intervention. However, there are two million adults suffering some level of harm and less than three per cent of the reported number of problem gamblers access services currently so it is clear there is much more to be done.
“Meeting our existing commitments will require a minimum of £10 million in the next 12 months but the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will require a significant step-up in funding from April 2020.”
Paddy Power Betfair and Camelot UK Lotteries came high on the list of donors to the industry charity, with donations of £445,000 and £390,000 respectively. The list of contributors consists of operators and suppliers in the industry, in addition to donations in the form of unclaimed winnings, dormant accounts and other funds.
The funds are used by the charity to help the development of initiatives targeted towards the prevention and treatment of problem gambling across the industry.
Etches continued: “We ask all those who profit from the gambling industry in Great Britain, whether or not they hold a licence from the Gambling Commission, to donate a minimum of 0.1% of their annual Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) directly to GambleAware.
“GambleAware is at the forefront of commissioning a National Gambling Treatment Service, working with the NHS and others to help direct people to the right intervention. GambleAware has commissioned specialist treatment for gambling addiction and Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust since 2008 and in the summer a second specialist clinic will open in collaboration with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. GambleAware also commissions treatment in a residential setting via the Gordon Moody Association.
“And for those who need less intensive treatment, there is a national network of providers, led by GamCare. Last year, 30,000 people received advice from the National Gambling Helpline and 9,000 people were treated. Taken together, the National Gambling Treatment Service provides safe, effective treatment and support, free at the point of use, for people across Britain who are addicted to gambling.”
