The UK’s Charity Commission has concluded its investigation into GambleAware, affirming the charity’s independence from the gambling industry. This inquiry, initiated in March, responded to concerns about the charity’s impartiality due to its reliance on industry donations.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint backed by the Good Law Project, which questioned GambleAware’s neutrality. A Commission spokesperson stated, “In March, following an assessment of concerns raised with us, the Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into GambleAware. We have engaged with the charity’s trustees about the concerns raised.”
After a thorough review, the Commission found that GambleAware had the necessary processes to achieve its objectives. While it offered advice, the Commission made no criticisms or findings against the charity. GambleAware welcomed the outcome, reinforcing its call for a funding model shift from voluntary donations to a statutory levy on gambling operators—a proposal currently under consultation.
Reactions and Future Steps
GambleAware’s CEO, Zoë Osmond, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the charity’s independence and commitment to public benefit. She stated, “We continue our work to prevent gambling harm and provide vital support to those affected. These include the commissioning of impactful gambling harm prevention programs and treatment services through the National Gambling Support Network.”
However, the Good Law Project expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission’s findings. Hannah Greer, the organization’s campaign manager, highlighted the NHS’s rejection of funds from GambleAware for gambling addiction treatment clinics since 2022. She argued this contradicts the Commission’s findings, suggesting a discrepancy between GambleAware’s public interest claims and its relationship with the gambling industry. Greer stated that if GambleAware truly prioritized public welfare, it would more robustly criticize the industry’s profit-driven exploitation of problem gamblers.
The debate over GambleAware’s funding coincides with broader UK gambling reforms, including a proposed statutory levy. This levy, discussed in an October 2023 government consultation, aims to channel gambling revenues into independent bodies like the NHS and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) for treatment, research, and prevention initiatives.
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