The British gaming sector, as represented by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has expressed its readiness to embrace a compulsory tax to support programs addressing gambling addiction, contingent upon the government offering assistance to land-based businesses grappling with escalating expenditures.
Presently, prominent gambling enterprises voluntarily allocate resources to research, education, and treatment (RET) initiatives aimed at tackling problem gambling. Back in 2020, a quintet of industry giants committed a substantial £100 million (approximately $123 million) to autonomous charitable organizations. This financial backing sustains the lion’s share of individuals struggling with gambling issues who are seeking assistance within the UK.
Michael Dugher, the head of the BGC, underscored their dedication to enduring funding for RET, free from industry sway. Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity of steps to counterbalance the burgeoning operational outlays encountered by physical betting establishments, encompassing salaries and property-related expenses. In essence, their message is, “We are eager to contribute, but let’s ensure everyone remains financially solvent.”
The head of BGC, Paul Duh, stated that their biggest member companies are currently dedicating 1% of their earnings to investigation, instruction, and therapy programs through a wholly distinct framework.
He underscored the significance of guaranteeing these monies arrive at influential and worthy groups, particularly citing benevolent organizations that are genuinely autonomous, data-driven, and performing admirable efforts.
Duh conveyed neutrality regarding the sources of the financing, emphasizing that the final objective is to assist those struggling. He finished by recognizing a favorable change in the position of some NHS constituents who formerly voiced concerns about receiving funds from the gambling sector.