GambleAware defends use of funds in Bet Regret campaign
Charity says campaign was bankrolled by operators and received free advertising space from broadcasters
GambleAware has defended its latest ‘Bet Regret’ advertising campaign, following widespread concern over the way the campaign is utilising funding from UK operators.
In a letter to the industry, GambleAware said funding for the campaign was not drawn from the current voluntary donations, but rather by “a separate commitment to Government by the gambling and broadcasting industries”.
Defending the Bet Regret campaign, the charity said concerns over voluntary donations being used are “misplaced” as its annual accounts will demonstrate when they are released later this year.
GambleAware CEO Marc Etches said the charity “respects the voluntary nature” of the current funding arrangements and does not expect to monopolise available funding.
The Bet Regret campaign is designed to encourage moderation in gambling, focusing on higher risk betting behaviours such as chasing losses, or betting when drunk or bored. The campaign, which launched earlier this year, encompasses several online and TV ads, together with several public events aimed at raising awareness of gambling related harm.
However, recent wider public events including the “No bet Inn” and the “Bet Regret barber shop” have raised questions about whether this is the most appropriate use of voluntary donations.
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GambleAware received voluntary donations totaling £9.6m during the 12 months leading up to 31 March, together with over £7.3m in regulatory settlements paid via the Gambling Commission.
Recent figures released by the charity show GVC Holdings donated over £1.46m during the year, while fellow UK operators William Hill and bet365 made donations of £1m and £868,000 respectively. At present, the voluntary commitment requires operators to donate 0.1% of the gross gambling yield every 12 months.
However, the charity has targeted a £10m funding commitment during the next 12 months, asserting the need for a “significant step up” from operators in respect of funding for gambling related harm treatment.