Introduction
GambleAware, a leading British charity focused on supporting problem gamblers and promoting responsible gambling, has received £46.5m in donations for the 2022-23 fiscal year. A significant portion of these donations, amounting to 92%, has been contributed by four major gambling operators: Flutter Entertainment, bet365, Entain, and William Hill. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the donations, the charity's mission, and the potential impact of a statutory levy proposed in the UK Government's Gambling White Paper.
GambleAware's Mission and Objectives
Addressing Problem Gambling
GambleAware strives to help problem gamblers and those who may be spending beyond their means on gambling. The charity aims to raise awareness about safer gambling practices and the risks associated with gambling. It also provides information on where to seek further help and support for those who need it.
Funding Research and Public Health Campaigns
In addition to providing assistance to individuals, GambleAware also grants funding to public health campaigns and commissions research to improve knowledge on gambling prevention strategies. This research helps inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing the harm caused by problem gambling.
Key Commissioning Objectives
GambleAware's work is guided by four key commissioning objectives, which include raising awareness of gambling risks, addressing inequalities in gambling harm, increasing service capacity, and providing access to support for those affected by gambling.
Breakdown of Donations
Major Contributors
The lion's share of GambleAware's donations for 2022-23 has been provided by four of the largest gambling operators in the UK:
- Flutter Entertainment: £16.4m (Paddy Power Betfair and Sky Bet holdings)
- Entain: £15.2m (Ladbrokes Coral Group)
- bet365: £4.9m (Hillside UK Sports, Hillside Technology, and Hillside UK Gaming)
- William Hill: £4.5m
Other Notable Donors
Aside from the top four contributors, several other gambling operators and organizations have made significant donations to GambleAware in the 2022-23 fiscal year. These include:
- National Lottery operator Camelot UK: £445,000
- BetVictor: £188,772
- 888 Holdings: £190,000
- Buzz Group: £88,294
- GAN: £71,539
- Rank: £70,892
- Betfred: £50,000
- Betway: £43,400
The Impact of Donations on GambleAware's Work
Expanding the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS)
Donations from gambling operators enable GambleAware to fund the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), which offers support and treatment for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. The NGTS comprises a network of organizations and professionals who provide specialized care and support to those in need.
Supporting Annual Treatment and Support Surveys
Funding from the gambling industry also enables GambleAware to conduct annual treatment and support surveys, which help monitor the prevalence and impact of gambling harm in the UK. These surveys provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing support services and identify areas where further improvements are needed.
Establishing Gambling Education Hubs
GambleAware uses donations to establish Gambling Education Hubs, which serve as centers for learning and resources for those seeking information about responsible gambling practices. These hubs play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting responsible gambling behavior within communities.
Implementing GambleAware's Five-Year Plan
The funds received from gambling operators also contribute to the realization of GambleAware's five-year strategic plan. This plan outlines the charity's vision, goals, and strategies for addressing and preventing gambling harm in the UK.
The UK Gambling White Paper and the Proposed Statutory Levy
Overview of the White Paper
The UK Government's recently released Gambling White Paper proposes several changes aimed at reforming the country's gambling landscape. Among these proposals is the introduction of a statutory levy on the gambling industry. This levy would require gambling operators to pay mandatory fees instead of making voluntary donations to charitable organizations like GambleAware.
GambleAware's Stance on the Statutory Levy
GambleAware has long advocated for the introduction of a statutory levy on the gambling industry, as it would provide stable funding for the charity's work. The organization welcomes the proposed changes outlined in the Gambling White Paper and urges the government to implement these changes swiftly.
Risks and Challenges Associated with the Statutory Levy
While the proposed statutory levy has the potential to provide stable funding for GambleAware and other organizations working to address gambling harm, there are potential risks and challenges associated with its implementation. These include:
- Uncertainty regarding the percentage of operator revenue to be contributed and the start date for the levy's implementation.
- Possible disparities in the current funding model, with some operators being held more accountable than others for their contributions to research, education, and treatment (RET) activities.
- The risk of voluntary industry donations stalling or declining during the transition period to a statutory levy.
GambleAware's Call for Swift Action and Stable Funding
Urging the UK Government to Move with Urgency
In light of the potential risks and challenges associated with the statutory levy, GambleAware calls on the UK Government to move with urgency in its consultations on the proposed changes. The charity emphasizes the need for swift implementation of the measures outlined in the Gambling White Paper to ensure that voluntary industry donations do not decline during the transition period.
Ensuring the Effective Delivery of Programs and Services
GambleAware's Chief Executive, Zoe Osmond, stresses that funding is crucial for the effective delivery of the National Gambling Support Network and other programs aimed at addressing and preventing gambling harm. The introduction of a statutory levy, as proposed in the Gambling White Paper, would help provide the stable funding necessary for GambleAware to continue its vital work in this area.
Conclusion
GambleAware's receipt of £46.5m in donations for the 2022-23 fiscal year highlights the significant financial support provided by the gambling industry to address and prevent gambling harm in the UK. While the majority of these donations have been contributed by four major gambling operators, a diverse range of organizations have also made significant contributions. The proposed statutory levy in the UK Government's Gambling White Paper offers the potential for stable funding and a more equitable distribution of financial responsibility across the industry. However, it is essential that the government acts swiftly to implement these changes while ensuring that voluntary donations do not decline during the transition period.