YGAM: UK Charities Commission finds no conflict of interest

The Charities Commission has closed its compliance case into YGAM, finding no conflict of interest.

UK.- The Charities Commission has decided not to investigate the responsible gambling charity the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM).

The regulator had opened a compliance case into the charity following a complaint about its links to the industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

It didn’t reveal details of the complaint, but the BGC launched a £10m responsible gambling education programme delivered by YGAM in May last year as part of its wider safer gambling commitments.

The Charities Commission has said that it has now closed the case, saying that it was satisfied that YGAM took measures to ensure there were “no conflicts of interest”.

It told YGAM: “It is reassuring to us that you have been able to explain the relationship with the Betting and Gaming Council as well as the written agreement in place with this organisation.

“We are also satisfied that the charity has sufficient mechanisms in place to ensure there are no conflicts of interest and independence is maintained.”

YGAM said: “We are pleased the Charity Commission have reached this conclusion so swiftly. Our engagement with the charities regulator was productive and provided an opportunity to present evidence to demonstrate independence and robust governance.

“Our hard-working team continue to deliver our charitable objectives and increase our social impact through our award-winning education programmes.”

In its response to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) consultation phase of its review of the 2005 Gambling Act, YGAM called for the introduction of a statutory levy for gaming licensees in order to increase long-term funding for research, education and treatment.

YGAM’s submission followed those of fellow charities GambleAware and GamCare.