BGC members invest £172.5 million to battle gambling harm

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced a £172.5 million (approximately €204.3 million) investment from its largest members to tackle problem gambling and related harm over the past four years. This surpasses the initial pledge of £100 million (approximately €118.5 million) made by Flutter, Entain, bet365, and Evoke (previously known as 888).

The funds have been directed primarily towards research, prevention, and treatment (RPT) initiatives, with the independent charity GambleAware as the primary administrator. Additionally, a £10 million (approximately €11.8 million) Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, delivered by YGAM and GamCare, has reached over two million young people.

The BGC stated that all RPT donations are allocated to independent charities accredited by the Gambling Commission, ensuring transparency and accountability. The industry body is advocating for a statutory levy to replace the current voluntary model, provided it safeguards the third sector’s role in delivering vital services.

The announcement comes as the government prepares to release its response to the consultation on a new levy, with the BGC urging for a balanced approach that protects both players and the industry.

Emerging concerns for potential impact of mandatory levy

Despite the record investment, the BGC is concerned about the potential negative impacts on independent bookmakers from the proposed levy structure. The industry warns of potential shop closures and job losses if the levy disproportionately affects smaller operators.

The BGC is urging the government to reconsider the levy, which was proposed by the previous Conservative administration. The industry body claims that the 0.4 percent levy on gross gambling yield would disproportionately effect smaller, independent bookmakers.

With profit margins already tight and overheads such as energy costs on the rise, many independent bookmakers are struggling to stay afloat. The number of independent betting shops has already fallen by around 23 percent since 2019, with nearly 160 closures. The BGC estimates that the new levy could force 492 shops to close, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

The BGC highlighted the important economic contribution of the betting industry, stating that its members generate £7.1 billion (approximately €8.4 billion) for the UK economy annually and support 110,000 jobs.

While the vast majority of players gamble responsibly, the industry recognises the need for robust measures to address problem gambling.

(Pictured above is Wes Himes, BGC Executive Director of Standards and Innovation.)

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