Amid campaign finance disclosures, a donation of $500 from NOVABizPAC to Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart), a staunch advocate of January’s casino bill, has brought attention to potential links between the political arena and casino development. These revelations have prompted significant public scrutiny as industry stakeholders employ all possible measures to secure an advantage in the competitive gambling landscape.

A Successful Casino Bill Can Be a Goldmine for Developers

The contribution from NOVABizPAC, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, to Williams’ campaign surfaced in finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections. Nick Clemente, the lobbyist who authorized the donation, has ties to Christopher Clemente, CEO of Comstock Companies. This connection raises eyebrows as Comstock Companies expressed interest in erecting a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.

For Comstock to proceed with their plans, the Virginia General Assembly needed to approve legislation enabling the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to initiate a referendum for voters to decide on the casino’s fate. In January, Delegate Williams and State Senator Dave Marsden (D-Burke) introduced almost identical bills (HB 2499/SB 1523) to grant the Board of Supervisors extended authority.

Campaign finance records also revealed that Williams received $500 from the chamber and a $2,500 contribution from Christopher Clemente, with the total sum from Clemente’s donations amounting to $12,500 for Williams’ 2023 campaign. Furthermore, former and current Comstock employees contributed $29,525 to Williams between 1 January and 30 May.

Lobbying Efforts Remain a Staple Industry Tool

Questions persist regarding Williams’ motivations for introducing the casino-related legislation. Marsden had earlier mentioned being approached by developers with relevant properties, although he later claimed ignorance about the specific referendum bill presented by Williams. However, piling coincidences cast doubt on these statements, especially given Williams’ proactive approach.

The politician has been a vocal supporter of Nick Clemente, urging voters to rally behind his lobbying efforts. A video on Williams’ Facebook page shows the delegate position Williams as an advocate for critical issues within the community, emphasizing the other man’s dedication to safety and protection. Williams also praised Clemente on X (formerly Twitter), dispelling doubts about their affiliation.

It was fun knocking on doors yesterday in the beautiful fall weather for Nick Clemente in Northern Virginia.

Delegate Wren Williams on X

The interconnectedness between campaign donations, lobbying, and legislative actions concerning casino-related bills has raised concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of political processes surrounding large-scale development projects. The implications of these financial connections have raised substantial public scrutiny, particularly concerning their influence on legislative decisions and the interests they represent.

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GambleAware, a charity in the UK dedicated to research, prevention and treatment services for people impacted by gambling harm and problem gambling, released its newest report, revealing data regarding the donations it received for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24. Judging by the report, released Wednesday, the charity received a total of £430,813 ($556,800) in donations for the period between April 1 and June 30, 2023.

A breakdown of that figure showed that GambleAware received £317,099 ($410,000) in Research, Education and Treatment (RET) contributions from licensed gambling operators. On the other hand, non-RET donations for the period received by the charity were £113,714 ($146,900). Those contributions included funds from dormant gambling accounts and unclaimed winnings, explains GambleAware.

The charity’s latest report reveals that the average donation for Q1 of the fiscal year 2023-24 was £2,757 ($3,570). A Comparison of that number year-over-year shows a decrease of 9% when it comes to RET contributions. Additionally, GambleAware noted that the largest gambling operators in the country haven’t made donations for the first quarter of 2023/24 but explained that this is in line with the operators’ policies to pay RET contributions near the end of the fiscal year after they undergo an assessment of their gross gaming yield (GGY).

The report outlining the donations for Q1 comes after recently, the charity confirmed it added new members to its Lived Experience Council. Previously, GambleAware confirmed that the Council would consist of a total of 12 members and earlier this month, it added three new members who have experienced gambling harm firsthand.

Statutory Levy May Replace Voluntary Donations Scheme

Currently, the established regulatory framework in the UK requires operators that profit from gambling activities to make voluntary RET donations. The UK charity encourages operators to donate a minimum of 0.1% from their GGY on a yearly basis, while operators that make less than £250,000 ($323,000) are asked to donate a minimum of £250 ($323).

In that line of thought, the four biggest gambling operators in the UK showed support to contribute with a higher percentage of their GGY, donating not 0.1% but 1% on GGY by 2024. To ensure that the voluntary donations are transparent, GambleAware releases quarterly reports about such contributions.

The recently released Gambling White Paper in the UK unveiled plans for a statutory levy on the gambling industry, a change that may replace the current voluntary donations scheme. Ultimately, the new statutory levy seeks to boost RET donations, which in turn is expected to benefit the research, treatment and prevention of gambling harm. The proposal was praised by GambleAware, as well as NHS England. In its recent report, the charity said that it is looking forward to the swift implementation of the proposed statutory levy outlined within the Gambling White Paper.

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Denmark is taking proactive measures to address gambling addiction and create a safer gambling environment for its customers through a new initiative. Leading this effort is the Danish Gambling Committee, which aims to conduct research and collaborate with experts in the field to promote responsible gambling practices.

To support its research endeavours over the next three years, the Danish Gambling Committee secured funding of DKK 12 million ($1.8 million). This funding was contributed by prominent gambling operators, including Danske Spil, Mr. Green, Betsson Group, Kindred Group, and Spilnu.dk. These operators, already licensed by the Danish gambling authority, are reaffirming their commitment to responsible gambling through this donation.
Despite being known for its strict regulations, the Danish gambling market has experienced significant growth in the past decade, largely driven by online gambling. However, research on responsible gambling and problem gambling has struggled to be on the same level.

The Danish Gambling Committee aims to bridge this gap by focusing on key areas such as the treatment of problem gambling, prevention of gambling harm (particularly among vulnerable groups like young people), prevention of harm in online gambling, and the collection of valuable knowledge about problem gambling.

Leading the committee is Jørgen Frøkiær, the head of the department at the university, who will assume the role of chairperson. Joining him on the board are representatives from esteemed institutions such as the University of Copenhagen, the University of Southern Denmark, Aarhus University Hospital, and Aalborg University.

“We are pleased that the gaming companies are contributing to being part of the solution, and we are now looking forward to helping a research area well on its way, which has had a difficult time for many years,” Frøkiær, said concerning the donations.

Kate Jacquerot, the legal director responsible for responsible gambling at Danske Spil, expressed the company’s support for the creation of a secure and safe gambling market in Denmark. She emphasized the importance of independent research conducted by the Danish Gambling Committee to understand how best to prevent and support individuals showing signs of gambling addiction.

Kim Olesen, the general manager for Denmark and Italy at Kindred Group, highlighted the company’s commitment to investing in research that addresses problem gambling and addiction.

“We do not want to make money from players who have an unhealthy relationship with gambling,” Olesen said. “It is therefore important that we are able to help those who need help.”

Kindred Group aims to achieve zero revenue from problem gambling and emphasizes the need to avoid benefiting from individuals with an unhealthy relationship with gambling. Olesen further praised the Danish Gambling Committee’s efforts in developing innovative approaches to treat gambling addiction and prevent problem gambling.

By focusing on research and collaboration, Denmark aims to enhance its responsible gambling measures and safeguard the well-being of its citizens. The proactive approach taken by the Danish Gambling Committee and the support of leading gambling operators are positive steps towards a safer and more sustainable gambling market in the country.

The committee’s primary focus will revolve around four crucial areas: the treatment of gambling addiction, the prevention of harm among children and young people, addressing addiction in the realm of online gambling, and the acquisition of comprehensive knowledge on the subject.

With the committee’s formation underway, it is anticipated that they will begin accepting applications for new research projects at the start of July. This will pave the way for innovative studies that contribute to finding solutions in an area that has long faced challenges.

Frøkiær expressed satisfaction with the involvement of gaming companies in being part of the solution. He emphasized the importance of advancing research efforts, acknowledging the struggles the field has encountered over the years. The committee’s formation is seen as a significant step forward in tackling these issues.

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The charity that focuses on research, prevention and treatment services for people affected by gambling harm, GambleAware, published a new report revealing details regarding the donations it received for the 12 months ended March 31, 2023.

Judging by the recent figures, the company secured a total of £46.5 million ($58.2 million) in donations between 2022 and 2023. When compared to the prior year period, between 2021 and 2022, when the donations halted at £34.7 million ($43.4 million), this year, an increase of 34% is observed.

Currently, GambleAware asks companies and organizations that profit from gambling activities to donate a minimum of 0.1% of their annual gross gambling yield (GGY). For organizations that make less than £250,000 ($313,000) annually, a minimum donation can be £250 ($313). Overall, four of the largest UK gambling operators contributed to a total of 92% of the donations for the 2022-2023 period. Those operators include Entain, Flutter, William Hill and Bet365.

Donations Expected to Continue to Grow

Combined, the four operators contributed £42.9 million ($53.7 million) out of the total of £46.5 million ($58.2 million) in donations for the period. GambleAware explained that the latest “amount is an increase on last year’s donation from those operators and is due to their commitment to raise the percentage of their GGY they contribute in donations from 0.1% in increments to 1% by 2023/2024.”

“As the leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harm prevention and treatment across Great Britain, funding is key to ensure the effective delivery of the National Gambling Support Network and our many other programs of work to address and prevent gambling harm.“

Zoë Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware’s chief executive, praised the government’s plans for a statutory levy within the Gambling White Paper and acknowledged that such efforts can deliver stable funding. Additionally, she said that GambleAware hopes to see changes to the sector being implemented swiftly.

Osmond spoke about the charity’s position as a driving force to reduce problem gambling, conduct research and provide treatment services around the country. Finally, GambleAware’s chief executive explained that donations deliver funding for such activities, which in turn help people affected by gambling harm.

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