GambleAware reports £49.5m in voluntary donations for 2023/24

GambleAware, a leading charity in the UK dedicated to combating gambling addiction, has reported a record-breaking £49.5 million in voluntary donations from the gambling industry for the 2023/24 financial year. This news comes as the largest four gambling operators in Great Britain contributed £46.6 million to the cause, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

These donations are part of a four-year commitment by the operators to gradually increase their contributions to 1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY). GambleAware runs the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) and the National Gambling Helpline, which provide free and confidential treatment services to individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

CEO Zoë Osmond expressed gratitude for the industry’s support but emphasized the importance of a statutory levy on the gambling industry. The charity is working closely with the Gambling Commission and the Department for Culture Media and Sport to ensure a smooth transition to the new funding model.

In addition to the voluntary donations, the Gambling Commission allocated £33.5 million of regulatory settlement funds to GambleAware in the last financial year. These funds are crucial for supporting the prevention and treatment of gambling harm during the transition period.

GambleAware is committed to maintaining the continuity of its services and has been advocating for improved health warnings on gambling advertisements. The charity recently responded to a complaint about its independence and service quality, reassuring the public that it has robust governance practices in place to prevent industry influence.

The Charity Commission is currently reviewing the complaint to ensure GambleAware’s continued integrity and effectiveness in helping those affected by gambling addiction. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.