The closure of the consultation on the structure, distribution, and governance of the statutory levy on gambling operators has prompted a response from GambleAware. In a statement, Zoe Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, expressed the organization’s appreciation for the introduction of a statutory industry levy to fund gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment (RPT). However, the statement highlights key considerations for the effectiveness of the levy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Harms.
GambleAware’s Stance:
GambleAware has been a long-time advocate for a statutory levy, dating back to 2017 when the organization reported record donations but fell short of its fundraising target. Osmond underscores the significance of this statutory levy as a crucial step in addressing gambling harms comprehensively.
Key Considerations:
The statement outlines key considerations to ensure the efficacy of the statutory levy:
National Strategy Development: GambleAware emphasizes the importance of developing a National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Harms. The statement calls for a unified approach, preferably with a single Prevention and Treatment Commissioner, to streamline efforts.
Population-Level Benefits: GambleAware contends that the proposed funding allocations do not adequately reflect the potential population-level benefits. The organization advocates for a shift upstream, focusing more on prevention and early intervention, aligning with a public health approach.
Clarification on Definitions: The statement critiques the definitions of treatment and prevention used in the consultation, arguing that they fail to recognize the nuances within prevention, which includes primary, secondary, and tertiary approaches. The importance of understanding these distinctions extends to treatment and care.
Smooth Transition: GambleAware stresses the necessity of a smooth and stable transition to the new system. It calls for clarity on funding, particularly for GambleAware and the wider sector. The organization highlights the urgency to prevent disruptions to existing support and treatment services.
Osmond concludes the statement by emphasizing the critical need for addressing these issues to realize the transformational potential of the statutory levy. GambleAware envisions a society free from gambling harms and believes that a comprehensive and well-structured approach, coupled with clear funding mechanisms, will contribute significantly to achieving this goal.