UK gambling industry charity GambleAware has posted the donations figures for the 12 months ending 31st March 2020. The total for voluntary donations is £10.05 million. This marks the first year that donations have passed the charity’s minimum target of £10 million.
The Main Goal
The funding provided by the industry enables GambleAware to keep people across England, Scotland, and Wales safe from gambling harms. GambleAware works in partnership with expert organizations and agencies, including the NHS.
The donations fund a range of services, including the National Gambling Treatment Service, which includes the National Gambling Helpline.
“For the tenth year in a row, we have seen an increase in donations,” Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, has said.
And, “for the first time, we have been able to meet our minimum target of £10 million,” he added.
“Commissioning a coherent, co-ordinated and efficient system of prevention and treatment requires the strategic distribution of sufficient funding,” he emphasized.
This is “guided by appropriate expertise underpinned by effective partnership working,” according to him.
“Our mission is to keep people safe from gambling harm,” the CEO said. That’s why these donations are vital to making sure they are able to deliver on that mission. There are two million adults experiencing some level of gambling harm in Great Britain. So, gambling is a serious public health issue.
Supporting the Cause
GambleAware has also published a list of companies who supported the
Safer Gambling Campaign, Bet Regret. The campaign was launched in 2019. The number of donations came to £3.8 million alongside media donations from broadcasters. This comprises of donations from 20 leading UK operators. This includes £683,846 from Flutter Entertainment, £643,847 from GVC, £580,898 from bet365 and £565,000 from The Stars Group.
BGC said it is good to see £3.8m raised from the industry for the Bet Regret campaign as it “amplifies safer gambling messages”.
“This work and funding will continue in 2020/21,” the charity added.
