UK’s betting and gaming council to spend £100m to tackle problem gambling
BGC has revealed that its five largest members will spend?£100m in improving?treatment?services for?problem gamblers
Nigel Huddleston said that they will monitor closely the progress of these new measures and continue to encourage the wider industry to step up.?
The Betting and Gaming Council’s five largest members?bet365, GVC,?PaddyPower?Betfair,?Flutter Entertainment?and William Hill, announced that they will spend £100 million?to?improve?treatment services for problem gamblers.?The?funds?will go directly?to?the?GambleAware?charity who will be the main commissioning agent for ensuring funds reach?the right?people?who are in need.?
Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment, said: “GambleAware?has a long track record in commissioning treatment services and working with providers for the benefit of problem gamblers.?Through the provision of this unprecedented level of financial support, we aim to achieve a step-change in the treatment and counseling available to those experiencing gambling-related harm.”??
Jackson added:?“As an industry, we are taking significant strides to build in further protections for customers. From increasing safer gambling messages in response to Covid-19, to a £10 million nationwide education initiative targeting all 11-19 years?olds?across the country, we are creating a safer environment for our customers while devoting resources to protecting the vulnerable and under-age.”?
The BGC has also confirmed that £2.5m will be made available to the YGAM/GamCare?gambling education project in this financial year?and?£3.8m of funding?will be send?to the?BetRegret?2020 advertising campaign to encourage safer gambling.?
Minister for Sport Nigel Huddleston said: “We have been clear that the gambling industry has a responsibility to protect people from gambling-related harm and support those who have been affected. I welcome the Betting and Gaming Council now outlining how it will deliver on leading operators’ pledges to bolster research, education and treatment. We will monitor closely the progress of these new measures and continue to encourage the wider industry to step up.”?