The submission discusses ongoing issues in the gambling sector identified by GambleAware, with a specific focus on preventing gambling harms and conducting research to guide policy decisions. This response is a result of the UK government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act, initiated in December 2020. As part of this review, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has called for new evidence to explore topics like spending limits and the impact of gambling on young adults. The aim is to use these findings to make amendments to the 2005 Gambling Act.
GambleAware has been advocating for a mandatory levy to finance research, education, and treatment (RET) related to gambling and gambling-related harm. Currently, British gambling legislation requires licensed operators to contribute a portion of their funds to responsible gambling initiatives, but there isn’t a specific minimum amount mandated for these contributions. In the past twelve months, GambleAware received voluntary donations amounting to £15.6 million, which is an increase from £11 million in the previous year. The Betting and Gaming Council also pledged £100 million to GambleAware in June 2020, representing the four largest gambling operators in Britain: Bet365, GVC Holdings, Flutter Entertainment, and William Hill.
The submission emphasizes that the current voluntary funding system leads to uncertainty in yearly funding and significant fluctuations in cash flow throughout the year. This unpredictable funding model poses a challenge for GambleAware as a commissioning body, as it needs to provide reassurance to funded services regarding consistent income streams. This consistency is vital for establishing and sustaining expert clinical teams that can offer treatment and support to those in need.
GambleAware also highlights various research studies that could provide valuable insights for the review in other areas. For instance, one study revealed that only 5% of accounts contribute to over 70% of the British betting and gaming gross gambling yield. Additionally, GambleAware reported a notable increase in the proportion of problem gamblers seeking treatment for their gambling habits in March.
