UK-based responsible gambling charity GambleAware has revealed its donation figures for the 12 months between 1st April 2019 and 31st March 2020.
£10.05 million was voluntarily donated, meaning that it topped its £10 million minimum target for the first time.
The money game from gambling operators and suppliers, and excludes payments for regulation-based penalties.
The top contributors
GVC Holdings was the biggest contributor during this 12-month period. The umbrella company of Ladbrokes and Coral contributed £1.46 million to the final figure.
Flutter Entertainment, which owns Paddy Power Betfair, was joint-second with William Hill. Both operators donated £1 million.
Other operators with sizeable contributions include Bet365 (£868,000), Sky Betting & Gaming (£705,000) and Rank Group (£568,000).
Contributions will go towards a number of causes, such as the National Gambling Treatment Service – which includes the National Gambling Helpline.
GambleAware CEO Mark Etches shared his thoughts on reaching this milestone, which were as follows.
“For the 10th year in a row, we have seen an increase in donations, which means for the first time, we have been able to meet our minimum target of £10 million.
“Commissioning a coherent, coordinated and efficient system of prevention and treatment requires the strategic distribution of sufficient funding, guided by appropriate expertise underpinned by effective partnership working.”
He continued with the following.
“Our mission is to keep people safe from gambling harm and these donations are vital to making sure we are able to deliver on that mission. Gambling is a serious public health issue in Great Britain, with two million adults experiencing some level of gambling harm.
“With these donations, we are able to continue funding the National Gambling Treatment Service to provide treatment for those who need it, while working in partnership with the NHS and Citizens Advice amongst others.”
Stepping up
In the UK, operators are obliged to donate 0.1% of their Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) to GambleAware. For those that generate less than £250,000 in this respect, they must contribute at least £250.
The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) also shared their views on operators putting more money into responsible gambling initiatives. These were as follows.
“We are pleased that our members have stepped up their funding of GambleAware along with a range of other charities to increase the help and support available to those at risk.
“Our largest members have gone further and committed up to an additional £100 million to research, education and treatment over the next four years, increasing donations from 0.1% of profit to 1%.
“With a continued focus on advertising, it is good to see £3.8 million raised from the industry for the Bet Regret campaign which amplifies safer gambling messages and also has the support of major media partners. This work and funding will continue in 2020/21.”
Charities receive money from operator penalties
UK-based charities and initiatives have also received money due to operator penalties. One of these is the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
The UKGC-led cause received £5.8 million of Betway’s £11.6 million penalty last month. This punishment had been the highest for any operator up to that point.
However, Caesars Entertainment soon surpassed that. The operator’s UK entity was ordered to cough up £13 million for VIP scheme shortcomings. This money has also been directed to the gambling harms reduction strategy.
