The UK’s biggest gambling firms have agreed to contribute money to fund treatment for gambling addicts.
The owners of Ladbrokes Coral, William Hill, Paddy Power Betfair, Skybet and Bet 365 will now increase their voluntary money for helping addicts to 0.1% to 1% up to 2023 – this will be a contribution of £60 million.
The companies have said they will spend £100m over the next four years for treatment. The Gambling Commission recently said the need for more staff, research and treatment required an annual contribution from the industry of £70m.
Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State at the DCMS, said: “I want the gambling industry to step up on social responsibility and keep their players safe, including through making more funding available for research, education and treatment to tackle problem gambling.
“I have met the major players in the sector recently and my department is in discussions with them on a strong package to increase their financial contribution, as well as make meaningful commitments on other measures to help ensure people gamble safely.
“Protecting people and their families from the risks of gambling-related harm is a priority for this government and I am encouraged that the sector now recognises that they need to do more.”
The gambling commission estimates there are 430,000 people with serious gambling addictions in the UK. 55,000 of these are children and young people aged 11 to 16.
Last moth, the NHS revealed they would be opening its first clinic for young gambling addicts. The National Problem Gambling Clinic will offer support to people ages 13 to 25. It is part of a increase of support for those who have a gambling addiction, it was announced in the NHS long term plan which will see 14 clinics open around England.
