BGC announces record $222.7 million donation to combat gambling harm in the UK

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced a record donation of £172.5 million ($222.75 million) by its largest members over the past four years to address problem gambling and related harms, while calling on the UK government to protect the third sector in future levy changes.

BGC members Flutter, Entain, bet365, and Evoke (888/William Hill) exceeded their initial pledge of £100 million made in 2020 by contributing £122.5 million towards Research, Prevention, and Treatment (RPT) initiatives. This funding is primarily managed by the independent charity GambleAware.

In addition, BGC members financed the £10 million Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, delivered by YGAM and GamCare, reaching over two million individuals aged 11 to 19 in the UK. Contributions from other BGC members and UK-regulated licensees added about £10 million annually, bringing the total to around £172.5 million.

This year, BGC members anticipate providing around £50 million for RPT funding to essential charities. Over two decades, the regulated betting and gaming industry has funded RPT services through a voluntary levy, supporting independent third-sector providers treating 85% of problem gamblers in Britain.

All RPT donations are directed to charities accredited by the Gambling Commission, ensuring BGC members have no control over fund allocation. The BGC has urged for the voluntary levy to be replaced by a statutory one, emphasizing the need for it to remain independent, protect expert third-sector providers, and be tiered to safeguard land-based operators.

Key providers, such as GamCare and Gordon Moody, play crucial roles in delivering these services. GamCare, with over 200 staff, conducted over 38,000 structured treatment sessions between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Gordon Moody operates the UK's only residential care center for women problem gamblers.

Last September, Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DCMS, praised Gordon Moody’s services during a visit to their Residential Centre in Dudley, highlighting the importance of such support environments.

Beyond RPT donations, BGC members have raised millions for charitable initiatives, with the BGC alone raising over £6 million for veterans, sports, and health charities, according to a statement from the trade association.

Wes Himes, BGC Executive Director of Standards and Innovation, said: “Around 22.5 million people in this country enjoy a regular flutter, and the overwhelming majority do so perfectly safely and responsibly. Our mission to raise standards carries on strong and these figures demonstrate our actions are backed by significant financial contributions which are making a real difference.

“Our members have no say on how these funds are spent and RPT donations only go to independent organizations accredited by the Gambling Commission to deliver these critical services."

While supporting a shift to a mandatory levy, the BGC stressed the need for future funding security for third-sector providers. The previous government’s consultation on a new levy has been delayed due to the General Election, but BGC members have pledged to maintain voluntary contributions to ensure continued funding for charities.

The BGC also expressed concerns about current proposals that it argues could "negatively impact independent bookmakers" with high levy costs, potentially leading to shop closures and job losses. Since 2019, the number of independent betting shops has reduced by 23%.