GambleAware receives £9m boost in bid to protect problem gamblers during crisis

Problem gambling charities are to receive £9 million in funds taken from operators for regulatory failures to support people during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Gambling Commission is making the money available to GambleAware, the commissioning charity that supports initiatives to tackle gambling-related harm across Britain.

The regulator said the money would be directed to help ensure treatment and support services can continue to operate and withstand additional pressures on its services caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

While the commission said its research had indicated that gambling participation overall has come down since lockdown started, it added there was evidence of an increase in the use of certain gambling products such as online slots, poker, casino gaming and virtual sports.

Gambling Commission chairman Bill Moyes said: "In the current climate, and with the potential risks to British consumers in mind, we have fast-tracked this settlement-driven funding to GambleAware so their work to prevent gambling harms and award grants can continue seamlessly.

"In addition to a tough and flexible regulatory system, it's vital that organisations such as GambleAware and their partners can continue the great work they do, especially at times when there is an elevated risk of gambling harm with people staying at home due to social distancing measures.

"Through the use of regulatory action to prevent harm, such as the ban of credit for gambling, alongside the use of regulatory settlements to support treatment services, the commission is taking wide ranging action to address the additional risk of harm that may come from Covid-19."

Since January alone, regulatory action by the commission has led to operators paying £27m in penalty packages for failures around money laundering, social responsibility and VIP practices.

GambleAware chief executive Marc Etches welcomed the funding boost.

He added: "These funds will enable us to provide greater security around the funding of the National Gambling Treatment Service, and help keep people safe from gambling harms."

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