UKGC donates £9m from operator fines to GambleAware

Money raised from fining operators to be fast-tracked to support GambleAware.

UK.- The Gambling Commission announced that money raised from fining betting operators will be used to provide help for problem gamblers during the Coronavirus crisis.

Up to £9million will be donated to GambleAware, a charity that supports initiatives to fight against gambling-related harm across the country.

According to research conducted by the Gambling Commission, participation in betting activities has gone down since Britain’s lockdown began, due to the cancellation of sporting events and the closure of gambling venues.

However, its research shows there has been an increase in players accessing online slot machines, poker, casino games and virtual sports.

“In the current climate, and with the potential risks to British consumers in mind, we have fast-tracked this settlement-driven funding to GambleAware so their work to prevent gambling harms and award grants can continue seamlessly,” Gambling Commission Chairman, William Moyes, said.

“In addition to a tough and flexible regulatory system, it’s vital that organisations such as GambleAware and their partners can continue the great work they do, especially at times when there is an elevated risk of gambling harm with people staying at home due to social distancing measures.

“Through the use of regulatory action to prevent harm, such as the ban of credit for gambling, alongside the use of regulatory settlements to support treatment services, the Commission is taking wide-ranging action to address the additional risk of harm that may come from Covid-19,” Moyes added.