GambleAware chief executive Zoë Osmond has robustly defended the charity’s work following a recent complaint from the Good Law Project. This complaint, filed in March, questions how effectively GambleAware disseminates information and accuses its trustees of failing to provide adequate gambling harm education.

The Good Law Project argues that GambleAware’s underperformance stems from its industry ties and its “reliance on industry funding.” In response, Osmond reaffirmed the charity’s independent stance, stating to iGB that GambleAware operates independently from the gambling industry.

Osmond has once again reiterated GambleAware’s independence and expressed confidence that the complaint will not be upheld. The Charity Commission is still assessing whether it needs to take action regarding the complaint.

“Our robust governance and commissioning practices ensure that the industry has no influence over our operations. GambleAware’s independence has been widely recognised by a range of stakeholders including the government, as evidenced in the gambling white paper,” Osmond stated.

She further criticized the Good Law Project’s complaint, labeling it as based on “misleading and outdated information.” While confident that the complaint will be dismissed, Osmond voiced concerns over the potential negative impact of such claims on GambleAware’s services and their beneficiaries.

Concerns Over Impact on Vulnerable Players

GambleAware is not just dismissing the complaint as baseless but also highlighting its potential adverse effects on at-risk gamblers who rely on the charity’s support services. The charity fears that such claims may discourage individuals from seeking help.

Osmond elaborated, “The deeply stigmatized nature of gambling harms often makes it difficult for individuals to reach out for help. Maintaining the credibility and reputation of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before their gambling issues become catastrophic.”

She emphasized that undermining these services risks harming not just those directly seeking help but also the families and friends affected by their loved ones’ gambling problems.

Defending Treatment Effectiveness

To bolster its defense, GambleAware pointed to statistics from the National Gambling Support Network. These statistics reveal that nine out of ten vulnerable players who complete their treatment see an improvement in their condition. For those whose conditions did not improve, 69% did not complete their treatment.

GambleAware also highlighted the significant reach of its resources, including its website, which attracts 6.5 million visits annually. Furthermore, the charity’s national stigma public health campaign has reached over 95% of the population, showcasing its extensive efforts to address gambling harms.

GambleAware remains steadfast in its commitment to providing independent and effective support to those affected by gambling harms. The charity continues to defend its practices and reputation against the allegations made by the Good Law Project, underscoring its vital role in the fight against gambling-related issues.

Source: “GambleAware defends its position after ‘misleading and outdated claims’”. iGamingBusiness. May 20, 2024.

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GambleAware, the leading commissioner of gambling harm prevention and treatment services in the UK, suggested that the broad public supports the controversial affordability checks. The measure, originally outlined in the Gambling Act white paper, seeks to introduce frictionless checks that would prevent at-risk players from overspending.

However, gambling industry campaigners have suggested that the checks would make gambling unsustainable for many players, potentially even hurting the horseracing sector. On the contrary, GambleAware suggested that the public actually supports the measure.

Citing recent polling, the charity suggested that three in five adults (57%) support enhanced financial risk checks. People impacted by a loved one’s gambling, on the other hand, were much more likely to support the measure, with data showing that 76% of affected others believe gambling companies should be held responsible for gambling problems.

In the meantime, 63% of respondents said that they believe that affordability checks would reduce the number of problem players.

For reference, the polling was conducted by Ipsos and saw the public opinion specialist survey 4,170 British adults.

GambleAwar Supports Frictionless Checks

GambleAware’s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, said that her team urges the government to not miss opportunities to introduce “robust preventive measures.” While GambleAware acknowledges that affordability checks should be frictionless and properly implemented, it also believes that they are a necessary measure.

By prioritizing preventative action and ensuring the industry take some responsibility for protecting individuals against unaffordable losses, we can mitigate the detrimental impact of problem gambling on individuals and society as a whole.

Zoë Osmond, CEO, GambleAware

Nicola Jaques, family support worker for the Beacon Counselling Trust in Preston, and an affected other of gambling harms, also commented on the matter, highlighting the devastating effects gambling harm could have on families. 

Safeguards like these financial risk checks are so important because they would help protect not only the person experiencing problems with gambling, but also those around them. Anyone can experience gambling harm and it affects far more than just one person.

Nicola Jaques, family support worker, Beacon Counselling Trust

GambleAware is the organization behind the United Kingdom’s National Gambling Support Network (NGSN). The charity recently reported that the helpline received over 52,000 calls in 2023 – a figure representing a year-on-year rise of 24%.

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GambleAware’s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, has weighed in on the statutory levy consultations, expressing her excitement about the measure. However, she also had a few points to make.

For reference, the levy would require all operators in the UK to provide a portion of their revenues for gambling harm research and treatment and was among the measures outlined in the Gambling Act white paper.

Osmond said that GambleAware has been waiting for this measure for years and is happy to finally see it happen. The charity sector previously depended on voluntary donations but will now have some much-needed security.

The CEO of GambleAware added that she hopes that the sector can finally move on from the “unhelpful distraction” of heated discussions about dependence and funding.

In the meantime, Osmond said that the Levy can potentially transform the charity sector, helping more people across Britain get access to gambling harm treatment. However, she noted that there are a number of “core elements in the proposed approach” that her team believes could negatively impact the provision of services.

Osmond Had a Few Points to Make

Osmond started by mentioning that GambleAware supports the creation of a National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Harms. While this was not a part of the proposals, GambleAware believes that one is absolutely needed to transform the system of prevention and treatment.

In addition, GambleAware would prefer if there be a single Prevention and Treatment Commissioner tasked with increasing awareness of societal issues and accessibility of gambling harm treatment services across the country. In the absence of such a commissioner, GambleAware believes that it is essential that the Treatment and Prevention Commissioners work together to ensure that the system is working as intended.

Osmond also believes that the current proposed funding allocations do not adequately reflect GambleAware’s desire to focus more on prevention and early intervention than on treatment.

In order to have a meaningful impact on gambling harm at a population level across Great Britain, prevention must be reprioritized with additional funding. At a minimum, there should be an equal focus on both prevention and treatment. 

Zoë Osmond, CEO, GambleAware

Osmond also noted that the current definitions of treatment and prevention used in the consultation do not recognize that prevention is broken into primary, secondary and tertiary approaches. The current proposals define interventions as Tier 1 and Tier 2 prevention and put them under the authority of the Treatment Commissioner.

Osmond recommended the co-commissioning of these interventions, including the helpline. She also proposed that the launch of national public awareness campaigns and digital early interventions should be included within the remit of the Prevention Commissioner.

Finally, Osmond once again emphasized the need for a smooth transition to the new system. She warned that failing to do that might deprive the third sector of funding and disrupt the availability of services.

Osmond concluded that she hopes her concerns will be addressed so that the levy reaches its full transformational potential.

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GambleAware’s newest initiative seeks to dismantle the prevailing stigma around problem gambling by urging individuals affected to break their silence and speak openly about their struggles. PayPlan’s support will significantly bolster the leading charity’s efforts, raising awareness and lending its knowledge on problem gambling.

Stigma Can Harm Addiction Recovery

GambleAware’s research highlighted the societal perception of gambling harm, indicating that three in five individuals tend to judge people struggling with gambling issues. The charity’s recent findings revealed that a staggering 64% of adults who encountered gambling-related problems have never discussed their challenges. 39%– a significant proportion- attributed this silence to the pervasive stigma surrounding gambling harm.

PayPlan’s independent research into problem gambling confirms these issues, uncovering that 30% of its clients felt gambling negatively impacted their mental health. However, GambleAware’s data contains some positive takeaways, as 76% of those who did open up about their gambling issues reported feeling better after discussing their concerns with someone.

Tackling the pervasive stigma surrounding problem gambling is one of GambleAware’s primary goals. The charity held a similar campaign in April, featuring TV host Tyler West, health professionals, and lived experience individuals. Encouragingly, the latest data shows a promising 56% who agree on the importance of challenging the stigma associated with gambling harm.

Collaboration Remains Instrumental to Success

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, expressed delight in partnering with PayPlan for this campaign, envisioning collaborative efforts to encourage individuals affected by gambling harm to share their experiences and feel secure when doing so. She emphasized the complex and concealed nature of gambling harm, making it challenging to detect when someone might need help.

It is critical that when accessing financial services… people feel they can talk openly about the issues they may be experiencing and are made aware of the support services available.

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO 

Charity GamCare, part of the National Gambling Support Network, highlighted the correlation between harmful gambling and financial debt, lauding PayPlan’s contribution to combating this issue. PayPlan vulnerability lead Emma Gibbons drew attention to the organization’s tailored pathways into debt advice. She also emphasized the need for public awareness and partnerships within the financial services sector to discuss gambling-related issues.

It’s important that we increase conversations around gambling harm and make sure that people have a better perception of those experiencing gamble-related debt.

Emma Gibbons, PayPlan vulnerability lead

The collaboration between PayPlan and GambleAware is a testament to their commitment to creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to discuss gambling harm without fear of judgment and seek assistance to overcome such challenges. However, their efforts must also coincide with concerted government efforts to combat the root cause of such issues and encourage meaningful change.

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GambleAware, the United Kingdom’s leading gambling harm prevention and treatment charity, has published new gambling harm data maps. Detailing the level of gambling harms in Britain at local authority and parliamentary constituency level, the maps also highlight the usage of support and treatment.

According to GambleAware, its new maps were produced by PoliMapper. The charity said that they allow readers to see which areas of the country are experiencing more severe gambling harm problems. In addition, the maps show where there is more demand for gambling harm treatment and support services.

The maps visualize data from the Problem Gambling Severity Index, which highlights the levels of harm across Great Britain. As a result, the maps clearly communicate how many people are experiencing harm and which regions are more affected by gambling harm.

GambleAware Has a Localized Approach to Tackling Harm

The new maps reflect GambleAware’s approach to tackling gambling harm on a regional level. The charity believes that each community must have its own support communities, allowing locals seeking help to feel at ease.

This strategy is also reflected in the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which GambleAware operates. For reference, the NGSN operates within local communities and sees providers work with third and public sector organizations to deliver a localized person-centric approach for people who have been harmed by gambling.

In the meantime, GambleAware continues to increase its campaign activity across the United Kingdom. The charity currently seeks collaboration with local authorities to identify what people in different regions need and to make sure that they get access to the right treatment and support.

This localized approach sets GambleAware apart, highlighting its commitment to providing relief to harmed players. The charity urged harmed people or the loved ones of people harmed by gambling to seek GambleAware’s help.

GambleAware Continues to Protect the UK Market

Two months ago, GambleAware opened applications for a system stabilization fund. The charity explained that a part of the money would be used to stabilize the system of gambling harm prevention, support and treatment and help organizations across England, Scotland and Wales by providing them with monetary aid.

This followed the UKGC’s decision to create the aforementioned fund, committing £32.8 million to the charity. The fund seeks to provide organizations with the backing they need until the statutory levy discussed in the white paper has been properly implemented.

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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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NHS England, the public body of the Department of Health and Social Care, and GambleAware, the independent charity working to keep people safe from gambling harm in Great Britain, came out with a joint statement, welcoming the statutory levy on operators.

Boost RET Funding

The statutory levy on operators was part of the White Paper proposals seeking to boost funding for gambling research, education and treatment (RET) and is expected to replace the current system based on voluntary donations.

NHS England’s National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms, Prof. Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE, outlined in her comments the statutory levy’s “potential to finally ensure the independence of funding for treatment and research programs, as well as for prevention initiatives to address gambling harm.”

“It must be implemented without delay in order for fully integrated treatment pathways to be established,” Bowden-Jones said, emphasizing the NHS commitment to continue the long-standing collaboration with GambleAware throughout the interim period “to ensure that all patients in need of gambling treatment are accessing the service that they need.”

Besides the recognition of the constructive relationship with GambleAware, Bowden-Jones expressed the body’s “commitment to working with non-statutory providers of gambling treatment across the country,” noting that NHS England does not seek to be the only provider of gambling treatment on a national level.

Key to Delivering Efficient Service

GambleAware’s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, welcomed the statement from the NHS, seeing it as a confirmation of the long-standing and constructive collaboration between the two bodies.

“In our role as leading charity and strategic commissioner, partnership with those across the healthcare sector is vital,” Osmond said, looking forward to continuing work with the NHS to “ensure people are able to seamlessly access the services they need.”

Osmond also pointed to the charity’s collaborations with DCMS, DHSC, OHID, and the Gambling Commission and the key role these relationships play in helping GambleAware deliver “efficient and effective service” through the National Gambling Support Network.

“We welcome the introduction of a statutory levy on the industry to provide certainty and stability of funding, which will allow us and others to make long-term commitments to meet the needs of the population,” she concluded.

The joint statement represents a change of tone about the White Paper proposals that were subjected to stern criticism by public health specialists and anti-gambling advocates upon the document’s release.

GambleAware also joined the choir of critics, alongside GamCare and Gordon Moody, in sharing their concerns over rising addiction rates in the country.

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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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GambleAware has probed into gambling stigma, realizing that three in four people suffering from gambling harm are afraid to open up to their loved ones. The study confirmed that stigma is a serious problem that prevents people from seeking help.

Furthermore, one in four people think they know a person who has experienced problem gambling. However, 61% of these people do not wish to talk to them because of the stigma.

GambleAware has also commissioned additional probes into people’s attitudes and perceptions of gambling harm. As it turns out, 62% of the people who know problem gamblers would negatively judge them. Despite that, 56% agree that stigma should be challenged.

GambleAware reiterated that gambling harm can have serious lasting effects on people’s mental health and relationships. Seeking to address this, the charity has launched a new public health campaign, hoping to reduce the stigma associated with problem gambling.

The new campaign will leverage ex-problem gamblers who will share their experience to try to “change societal perceptions and understanding of the issue.”

GambleAware’s Initiative Is Backed by Health Professionals

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware’s chief executive officer, commented on the matter, saying that gambling harms tend to be hidden because many people feel embarrassed to talk about them. She noted that no one is safe from such harm, which is why it is important to break down the stigma and address the issue.

Dr Dame Clare Gerada, president of the Royal College of general practitioners, agrees with Osmond on that matter. She noted that problem gambling can manifest itself in various ways, including mental or physical health issues. General practitioners and the health sector as a whole, Gerada believes, should be able to better help people affected by harm.

Dr Ellie Cannon also spoke on the matter. As a general practitioner, she has already worked with patients seeking support for gambling harms. Cannon understands how challenging tackling such conditions can be and hopes that society will “challenge its outdated attitude towards gambling harms and those who experience them.”

The Charity’s Allies Know the Dangers of Gambling Harm

In the meantime, GambleAware has teamed up with Tyler West, a TV and radio presenter whose brother has experienced gambling harm for several years. West knows how destructive such harm can be and understands that stigma is an obstacle to helping people in need.

Meeting others who have been impacted by gambling harms, like my brother was, has really opened my eyes to the stigma attached to an issue that is very close to my heart and how common it is. We need to do something about this.

Tyler West

GambleAware and West worked on a film featuring lived experience individuals. He worked with the leading stigma expert Dr Joanne Lloyd who is just as aware of the dangers of stigma.

Opening up a dialogue is often the first step towards getting help. We know that stigma represents one of the main barriers preventing people experiencing harm from reaching out for support, and so it is essential that we take collective action to tackle this societal issue.

Dr Joanne Lloyd

The charity has also partnered with other organizations seeking to mitigate gambling harm in the United Kingdom. As a part of its ongoing campaign, GambleAware seeks to create a united front of companies from the private, third and public sectors.

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive officer of Citizens Advice also shared her thoughts. She noted that harm can affect anyone but people on lower incomes and those living in deprived communities are at a higher risk. She hopes that, with the help of GambleAware, her team will be able to make a change.

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UK independent charity GambleAware announced Tuesday it has awarded a £350,000 ($431,000) grant to help examine further the link of gambling harm with stigma and discrimination.

Stigma and Discrimination

GambleAware awarded the funds to the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the University of Wolverhampton to support their collaboration with Liverpool John Moore University in examining how people who experience gambling harms are affected by stigma and discrimination.

The announcement of the funding came shortly after another research funded by GambleAware which examined gambling harms experienced by the white majority and minority groups in Great Britain showed large ethnic-related disproportions.

Commenting on the announcement, Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning officer at GambleAware, outlined the limited availability of research into stigma and gambling in Great Britain and the need for breaking down “the substantive barrier of stigmatization – and the discrimination it drives – faced by those experiencing gambling harms and their communities.”

Examine Different Societal Groups

The research will seek to determine how people experiencing gambling harm are also being stigmatized and discriminated against by analyzing different societal groups, including service and healthcare providers, civil society, third sector and charitable organizations, media and politics, and the gambling industry in general.

“Stigmatization causes significant harm in and of itself and can lead to people feeling shame, experiencing mental health challenges and social exclusion,” Hargrave added, further noting that it can also “stop people from accessing essential support or treatment services such as the National Gambling Treatment Service.”

Both organizations funded by GambleAware will also examine the disproportions in the impact of stigmatization across communities and the reasons behind these disproportions, considering the link with gambling addictions in addition to other challenges such as drug use, anxiety or depression, or lived experience of homelessness.

Determine Approach to Challenging Stigma

The end goal of the research is to identify what services, interventions, information campaigns and policies will be effective in challenging stigmatization, including in research and the media, to help reduce gambling harms for communities that are impacted most by stigma.

This research with NatCen and the University of Wolverhampton will be an important step towards a program of work that builds more knowledge in this area.

Anna Hargrave, CCO, GambleAware

The research is expected to deliver its findings in 2024 as GambleAware intends to focus on stigma in the next two years, planning to launch a major behavior change campaign to help reduce the stigma associated with gambling harm.

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