A noteworthy achievement was recently disclosed by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which revealed that during the last four years, the largest members of the organization have donated a record £172.5 million ($222.75 million). The goal of this significant financing is to address problem gambling and the negative effects it causes. Flutter, Entain, bet365, and Evoke (888/William Hill) are among the major contributors. These corporations have contributed £122.5 million towards Research, Prevention, and Treatment (RPT) projects, surpassing their initial pledge of £100 million made in 2020. These funds, which are mostly overseen by the independent organization GambleAware, are essential to the fight against gambling-related problems.
Additionally, BGC members funded the £10 million Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme. Delivered by YGAM and GamCare, this initiative has reached over two million young individuals aged 11 to 19 across the UK. Contributions from other BGC members and UK-regulated licensees added approximately £10 million annually, bringing the total to around £172.5 million.
Future Funding and Government Consultation
This year, BGC members expect to provide around £50 million for RPT funding to essential charities. Over two decades, the regulated betting and gaming industry has supported RPT services through a voluntary levy. These services are crucial, as independent third-sector providers treat 85% of problem gamblers in Britain. All RPT donations are directed to charities accredited by the Gambling Commission, ensuring that BGC members have no influence over fund allocation.
Wes Himes, BGC Executive Director of Standards and Innovation, emphasized the positive impact of these contributions, stating, “Around 22.5 million people in this country enjoy a regular flutter, and the overwhelming majority do so perfectly safely and responsibly. Our mission to raise standards carries on strong and these figures demonstrate our actions are backed by significant financial contributions which are making a real difference.”
The BGC has called for the voluntary levy to be replaced by a statutory one. They emphasize the need for this levy to remain independent, protect expert third-sector providers, and be tiered to safeguard land-based operators. Key providers such as GamCare and Gordon Moody play crucial roles in delivering these services. For instance, GamCare, with over 200 staff, conducted over 38,000 structured treatment sessions between 2022 and 2023. Gordon Moody operates the UK’s only residential care center for women problem gamblers.
In September, Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DCMS, praised Gordon Moody’s services during a visit to their Residential Centre in Dudley, highlighting the importance of such support environments.
Beyond RPT donations, BGC members have raised millions for various charitable initiatives. According to the trade association, the BGC alone has raised over £6 million for veterans, sports, and health charities.
While supporting a shift to a mandatory levy, the BGC stressed the importance of future funding security for third-sector providers. The previous government’s consultation on a new levy has been delayed due to the General Election. However, BGC members have pledged to maintain voluntary contributions to ensure continued funding for charities. The BGC also expressed concerns about current proposals that could “negatively impact independent bookmakers” with high levy costs, potentially leading to shop closures and job losses. Since 2019, the number of independent betting shops has reduced by 23%.
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