UK mandatory levy on operators, still possible

The UK Sports Minister said a mandatory levy to fund problem gambling services hasn’t been ruled out yet should the voluntary donations system fail.

UK.- A mandatory levy on UK gambling operators is still a possibility, new Sports Minister Mims Davies said recently, setting off alarms in the industry. The government official explained the current donation system to fund problem gambling services is working as expected but didn’t rule out a potential levy should funding fall short in the future.

“I am pleased to see a substantial increase in industry donations this year to help tackle problem gambling,” she told delegates at the GambleAware conference in London. “This is vital work to ensure support for those who experience harm,” she added and explained the authorities expect the sector to “generate employment and investment.”

In regards to problem gambling funding, the Minister explained: “We want the voluntary system to work – but if it doesn’t, we do not rule out other ways of funding support, including a mandatory levy.”

Despite the potential levy being a concern for operators, Minister Davies said there has been a “substantial increase” in industry donations to problem gambling treatment services and asserted: “Let me be clear, I expect industry to take action where they believe harm is taking place and I expect them to take steps to minimise it.”