Betting firms financial penalties to help GambleAware double spending

Financial penalties paid by betting firms fined by the Gambling Commission will help charity GambleAware double the amount it spends on tackling problem gambling over the next two years.

GambleAware is to spend £32 million with the funding divided between research and evaluation, education and treatment.

The Gambling Commission has become noticeably tougher in its approach to sanctions recently, handing out penalty packages to operators totalling more than £18 million in the last financial year.

Around £5m of that figure stemming from four parties was diverted to GambleAware's finances to add to the £9.4m in voluntary donations the charity received from the gambling industry.

GambleAware chief executive Marc Etches said: "That money and the minimum of £10 million of donations we are asking for this year and next year gives us sufficient to commit to this £32 million spend over the next two years."

The gambling industry is expected to donate 0.1 per cent of its gross gambling yield – the amount operators keep after paying out winnings – to GambleAware each year, although there are calls from the charity, politicians and even the industry itself for that levy to become statutory.

Etches said: "With only two per cent of problem gamblers receiving treatment, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure people are able to receive the help and support they need.

"The industry has consistently failed to meet its funding target of £10 million and it will need to step up its contributions in the absence of state involvement to ensure we are able to deliver this necessary expansion of services in future without relying on what are, in effect, fines for bad behaviour.

"We all have a responsibility to try to help those who may be struggling with a gambling addiction. We look forward to seeing the industry, broadcasters, advertisers and sports groups do their part to help prevent gambling-related harm and work to raise awareness of the help and advice that is available at BeGambleAware.org."

GambleAware said it would be announcing collaborations with new partners in England, Scotland and Wales over the coming weeks.

If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive help