Problem gambling advocacy group GambleAware announced it will increase spending in tracking gambling related harms to £32 million over the next two years in its Strategic Delivery Plan for 2018-20.
The £32 million is a doubling of what the group has been spending and is higher than the amount the Gambling Commission and the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board have set as a minimum £10m target in voluntary donations from the gambling industry each year.
The group will split the funding between research and evaluation (£9.8 million), education (£5.6 million) and treatment (£14.3 million). The group also renewed its pledge to improve the understanding of how to prevent gambling related harm and analyze the type and amount of treatment services available in the UK.
“With only 2 percent of problem gamblers receiving treatment, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure people are able to receive the help and support they need,” said Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware. “The industry has consistently failed to meet its funding target of £10 million, and it will need to step-up its contributions in the absence of state involvement, to ensure we are able to deliver this necessary expansion of services in future without relying on what are, in effect, fines for bad behavior.
“We all have a responsibility to try and help those who may be struggling with a gambling addiction,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the industry, broadcasters, advertisers and sports groups do their part to help prevent gambling related harm and work to raise awareness of the help and advice that is available at BeGambleAware.org.”
GambleAware also plans to launch these new initiatives:
Developing a ‘knowledge hub’ which will include eLearning, digital downloads, and guidance specifically designed to help educators and others working with young audiences.
Extending access for multi-disciplinary treatment beyond London for those with severe and/or complex needs.
Developing focused education campaigns and initiatives which will target vulnerable groups, operators, sports teams, social media platforms and public and third sector groups such as GPs and debt advisors.
GambleAware, the UK Gambling Commission and the UK Responsible Gaming Strategy Board also recently released a joint report titles “Measuring Gambling-Related Harms: A Framework for Action.”
The study presents 50 different types of gambling-related harm focusing on the most significant, including crime, health issues, employment issues, and debt. The objective behind the report is to work towards quantifying the social costs of such harms.
