Brigid Simmonds, the Chairman of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has issued a statement regarding the ongoing statutory levy consultations by the Gambling Commission, which could have significant implications for betting operators. These consultations aim to bring about funding changes for Research, Education, and Treatment (RET) of gambling-related harm. While the BGC initially proposed a mandatory levy to the government before the White Paper was published, the direction of the levy has evolved, prompting concerns from the BGC.
Diverse Membership Concerns:
Simmonds highlighted the BGC’s concerns about the current consultation, emphasizing that they have always opposed a one-size-fits-all approach. They believe that such an approach ignores the diversity of their membership, which includes operators with disproportionately higher costs such as betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos. The BGC also advocates for the inclusion of all operators, including the National Lottery, in the levy, without jeopardizing the good causes it supports.
Unfairness in the Proposed Sliding Scale:
The current consultation introduces a sliding scale for levy contributions. However, the BGC is apprehensive that this approach may lead to practical unfairness. For instance, the National Lottery’s contribution to GambleAware has been significantly lower as a percentage of their annual Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) compared to contributions from BGC members. Simmonds pointed out that such a disproportionate allocation is concerning, with members contributing over £50 million between 2022 and 2023 while the National Lottery, with a GGY of around £3.5 billion, makes a significantly smaller annual contribution.
Impact on Independent Bookmakers:
The BGC raises concerns about the potential disproportionate financial burden on various gambling operators. For instance, Adult Gaming Centres will be required to pay 0.1% of their GGY towards RET, whereas independent bookmakers could face a four-fold higher contribution. This discrepancy has the potential to result in more bookmakers closing, with over 170 independent venues having closed since 2019.
Allocation of Funds:
Simmonds also questions the proposed allocation of funds, where 40-60% would go towards the NHS, 15-30% for prevention and education, and 10-20% for research. While the NHS provides gambling treatment clinics, Simmonds points out that the allocation may be disproportionate, given the significant efforts made by other charities such as GamCare and Gordon Moody in tackling gambling-related harm.
The Betting and Gaming Council’s concerns over the ongoing statutory levy consultations underscore the importance of a fair and balanced approach to funding RET for gambling harm. With diverse membership and potential disparities in contribution levels, the BGC seeks an equitable solution that considers the specific challenges faced by various operators. Simmonds’ statement serves as a reminder of the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address gambling-related harm while ensuring that all stakeholders play their part in supporting treatment, prevention, and education efforts.