YGAM calls for more funds for education in UK gambling law review

The Responsible gambling charity YGAM has added its voice to calls for the government to introduce a statutory levy on operators as part of its review of UK gambling law.

UK.- The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) has submitted written evidence to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) consultation phase in its review of the 2005 Gambling Act.

YGAM, whose submission follows those of fellow charities GambleAware and GamCare, stressed the importance of education around gambling-related harm and called for the government to dedicate more resources to the area.

Like GambleAware, it has called for the introduction of a statutory levy for licensees in order to increase long-term funding for research, education and treatment.

The charity also said there was a need for engagement with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education.

It said it believed gambling addiction should be viewed and treated on a par with other public health issues like alcohol and drugs.

YGAM’s marketing and communications manager, James Matthewson, said: “The Gambling Act Review presents a much-needed opportunity for the regulation to catch up but also an opportunity to demonstrate the ongoing progress being made to educate and safeguard future generations. 

“This review will scrutinise all aspects of regulation and, as an education charity, we do not claim to have the expertise to contribute to most of these intricate policy decisions.

“We believe keeping our young people safe should be the key focus of any outcomes from this review. Prevention is a better solution than treatment and we want government to recognise that education has a vital role to play.”