GambleAware, the UK’s leading charity focused on reducing gambling-related harm, has announced its donation figures for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. Between April and June 2024, the organisation received a total of £294,722 ($387,802) in Research, Prevention, and Treatment (RPT) contributions from various gambling operators.
This financial year is poised to be a pivotal one for GambleAware as the charity prepares to transition from a voluntary donation model to a statutory levy system. This change is expected to bring more stable funding to support ongoing services that help mitigate the impact of gambling harm.
Major Contributions from Gambling Operators
Among the contributions made during this quarter, several gambling operators stood out for their substantial donations. ProgressPlay donated £24,346, Star Racing contributed £27,547, and Virgin Bet provided £21,753. These donations underscore the ongoing commitment of key industry players to support GambleAware’s mission of preventing gambling harm and aiding those affected by it.
These RPT contributions are vital for funding GambleAware’s initiatives, which include a range of programs designed to reduce gambling-related harm through research, education, and direct support services.
Additional Funding Through Regulatory Settlements
Beyond the voluntary RPT donations, GambleAware also received £40,000 in Regulatory Settlement funding this quarter. This sum represents the final installment of monthly payments agreed upon between the Gambling Commission and a single operator. Regulatory settlements are used to fund projects that align with the Gambling Commission’s National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
This additional funding stream is crucial, providing further financial support that helps ensure the continuity and effectiveness of GambleAware’s programs, particularly during times of financial transition.
Anticipating the Shift to a Statutory Levy
The 2024/25 fiscal year is anticipated to be the last one operating under the current voluntary donation system. As the UK government and regulatory bodies plan to introduce a statutory levy, gambling operators will soon be required to make mandatory contributions based on their revenue. This shift is aimed at securing a more reliable and predictable source of funding for GambleAware, which will enable the charity to plan more effectively and expand its services.
Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, highlighted the significance of this transition:
“This is anticipated to be the final year of the voluntary donation system, before moving on to a system with a statutory levy. As we transition to the new system, it is essential that funding is maintained at the same level as previous years to ensure there is no disruption to prevention and treatment services for gambling harm.”
Osmond’s remarks underline the importance of maintaining steady funding levels during this period of change to avoid any interruption in the essential services provided by GambleAware, such as the National Gambling Support Network.
Ensuring Stability During the Transition
As the industry approaches this significant shift in its funding structure, GambleAware is calling on all gambling operators to maintain their contributions at levels comparable to previous years. This appeal is a strategic effort to ensure the continuity of essential services during the transition to a statutory levy system.
Maintaining current levels of funding is crucial for supporting services that address gambling addiction and related harms, which are on the rise in the UK. GambleAware’s work includes a wide range of initiatives, from public awareness campaigns and educational programs to research and direct support services for those impacted by gambling.
The Road Ahead: Preparing for a New Era in Gambling Harm Prevention
The upcoming transition to a statutory levy marks a significant change in how gambling harm prevention and treatment are funded in the UK.
Predictable Funding
A statutory levy will provide a more reliable source of funding, which can help GambleAware and other organisations involved in gambling harm prevention to plan and execute long-term strategies more effectively.
Increased Accountability
With mandatory contributions, there will be greater transparency and accountability regarding how funds are allocated and spent, potentially leading to more efficient use of resources.
Broader Impact
The introduction of a statutory levy could encourage a broader commitment to responsible gambling practices across the industry, fostering a culture of accountability and care.
However, the transition also presents challenges, including the need to manage expectations among stakeholders and the public, as well as to ensure that the new system is implemented smoothly without disrupting existing services.
As GambleAware prepares for the final year under the voluntary donation system, the charity is focused on ensuring that the shift to a statutory levy is seamless and that its critical services remain uninterrupted. The £294,722 in donations received in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year is a positive sign of continued support from the gambling industry, but the charity urges operators to maintain or increase their contributions to ensure a smooth transition.
The introduction of a statutory levy represents a significant opportunity to enhance the stability and effectiveness of gambling harm prevention in the UK. By ensuring consistent funding and fostering greater accountability, this new model has the potential to make a lasting impact on the fight against gambling harm, helping to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.