DCMS delivers ultimatum on GambleAware funding targets
Government points to “positive signs that industry is stepping up” but confirms it will introduce mandatory levy if industry fails to meet contribution requirements
Sports Minister Mims Davies has said the government will introduce a mandatory levy for gambling operators if the industry fails to meet GambleAware funding targets.
Speaking in an online gambling protection debate at Westminster Hall, Davies voiced her support for the voluntary system of funding for GambleAware, but said that if it failed to deliver, the government will “not rule out other ways of funding support, which could include a mandatory levy”.
At present, GambleAware has a £10m minimum funding target over the next two years, but in the charity’s strategic delivery plan, GambleAware said problem gambling related funding would need to be “significantly greater” than this target if wider state involvement did not occur.
Davies said: “[There are] positive signs that the industry is stepping up to the challenge that we have set, but there is scope to go further.
“We want to see only responsible businesses in this sector. We want to ensure that people can have an open conversation about what responsible gambling looks like,” Davies added.
However, the Sports Minister said a “balance” had to be struck given the fact that millions of people enjoy gambling responsibly.
“An evening at the bingo or a regular bet on the football each week can be enjoyable, but we must balance that against the need to protect the most vulnerable people from gambling-related harm, wherever they gamble,” Davies added.
Davies confirmed she had met with several major banks to discuss the potential introduction of gambling blocking technology as employed by several so-called challenger banks including Monzo, Starling and most recently CashPlus.
Emphasising the importance of such measures in dealing with problem gambling, Davies said that technological solutions to help to protect vulnerable people from gambling-related harm are “absolutely vital and we should seek every opportunity that we can”.
The Sports Minister also confirmed that the government was working to develop a “comprehensive picture” of problem gambling “including the prevalence of using credit cards for using credit cards for gambling, and the associated risks”.