Charity Commission Clears GambleAware Amidst Impartiality Concerns
The UK’s Charity Commission has concluded its investigation into GambleAware, a charity focused on preventing gambling harm, after concerns were raised about its impartiality due to reliance on industry donations. The inquiry, initiated in March, found that GambleAware took “appropriate steps” to maintain its independence from the gambling industry.
Background of the Inquiry
The investigation was prompted by a campaign backed by the Good Law Project, which questioned GambleAware’s impartiality given its funding from gambling companies.
The campaign highlighted potential conflicts of interest and called for a review of the charity’s operations.
Commission’s Decision and Advice
A spokesperson from the Charity Commission stated: “In March, following an assessment of concerns raised with us, the Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into GambleAware. We have engaged with the charity’s trustees about the concerns raised.”
The Commission found that GambleAware had appropriate processes in place to achieve its objectives and provided advice to the charity, but did not criticize or make any adverse findings against it.
GambleAware’s Response and Future Plans
GambleAware welcomed the Commission’s findings and reiterated its call for a shift from voluntary donations to a statutory levy on gambling operators.
CEO Zoë Osmond expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the trustees’ independence and the public benefit of the charity’s work.
Osmond stated, “We continue our work to prevent gambling harm and provide vital support to those affected. These include the commissioning of impactful gambling harm prevention programs and treatment services through the National Gambling Support Network.”
Ongoing Concerns from the Good Law Project
Despite the Commission’s decision, the Good Law Project remains dissatisfied. Campaign manager Hannah Greer pointed out that since 2022, the NHS has been rejecting funds from GambleAware for gambling addiction treatment clinics, suggesting a discrepancy between the Commission’s findings and the NHS’s stance.
Greer argued that GambleAware should more strongly criticize the gambling industry’s practices, which she claimed exploit problem gamblers for profit.
Context of Broader Gambling Reforms
The debate over GambleAware’s funding model comes amid broader discussions on UK gambling reforms. The government is considering a statutory levy, as recommended in an October 2023 consultation.
This levy would redirect some gambling revenues towards independent treatment, research, and prevention initiatives managed by bodies such as the NHS and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI).
The Charity Commission’s clearance of GambleAware reflects the charity’s adherence to its processes and independence. However, the ongoing debate about its funding model and broader gambling industry practices highlights the need for continued scrutiny and potential reform.
The proposed statutory levy could provide a more stable and independent funding source for initiatives aimed at reducing gambling harm in the UK.
