UK Gambling Companies Will Support Addicts by Increasing Voluntary Taxes

The five largest gambling companies in the United Kingdom have decided to contribute more funds to problem gambling treatment. The leaders of five operators including William Hill, Paddy Power Betfair, bet365, Skybet, and Ladbrokes Coral will raise voluntary tax on gambling revenues from 0,1% to 1%. It is estimated that five operators will contribute with €60 million to the treatment until 2023. The firms hope to make "a step change" regarding the addiction problem.

Details

Only recently, NHS England Chief Executive, Simon Stevens, expressed his opinion regarding total contribution to gambling treatment. He observed that there is a notable fraction between money spent on gambling marketing and advertising compared to the amounts spent on gambling addiction. According to the estimations, companies will spend about €100 million on treatment purposes over the four years.

Statements

Chief Executive of Flutter Entertainment, Peter Jackson said:

“The agreement marked an unprecedented level of commitment and collaboration by the leading companies in the British betting and gaming sector to address gambling-related harm. We think that is an important step to make. We do think we need to increase the amount of money that is available to protect the young and vulnerable."

Before leaving the company last month, former Executive Chairman at Sky Bet, Richard Flint said:

"The industry hasn't done enough to look after problem gamblers. We need to do more to self-regulate, and if we don't do more there will be more regulation forced upon us."

Chief Executive of charity GambleAware, Marc Etches said:

"We welcome this initiative by the leading operators as it's essential there is sufficient funding to provide for treatment and support for both problem gamblers and for those who are 'at risk' - particularly the young and vulnerable.”

UK casino firms also agreed on improving gambling messages in their marketing material with the accent on tone and content.

Estimations

According to estimations, there are 430,000 people with serious gambling addiction problems in the United Kingdom. If we include people with potential risks, the number of addicts reaches two million. It is estimated that about 55,000 of addicts are children between 11 and 16 years old.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, Jeremy Wright said:

"We will monitor closely the progress of these new measures and encourage the wider industry to step up. The government will not hesitate to take further action to protect people from gambling-related harm."

Source:

“UK's five largest gambling firms increase their voluntary levy to help addicts after criticism”, yogonet.com, July 2, 2019.