Big five operators recruit Lord Chadlington for independent RG committee
Conservative peer to recommend best use of 1% annual problem gambling funds
The five largest UK operators have asked Conservative peer Lord Chadlington to head up an independent committee to decide how best to allocate increased contributions to problem gambling treatment in the UK.
The announcement follows bet365, Flutter Entertainment, GVC, Sky Betting & Gaming, and William Hill pledging to increase their voluntary contribution to problem gambling causes to 1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) over the next five years.
The commitment, which was confirmed last month, will see the bookmakers contribute a cumulative total of £100m over the next four years and then £60m annually thereafter.
As head of the new committee, Chadlington will appoint members and define the most appropriate method for receiving, administering and monitoring deployment of the increased funding.
The committee, which is due to be announced in September 2019, will publish its first recommendations on this deployment before the end of the year. No committee members will be remunerated for their time.
A spokesperson for the five betting operators said they were “absolutely committed” to providing the increased contribution and were confident the committee would deliver the best distribution of funding.
“We believe this is an important step towards creating a safer gambling environment and look forward to reviewing and implementing its recommendations later this year,” the spokesperson added.
Lord Chadlington currently serves as vice chair of the Parliamentary All-Party Betting & Gaming Group and has been a vocal advocate for both safer gambling and the reclassification of loot boxes as gambling.
In October 2018, he authored an op-ed in which he called for the replacement of GambleAware with an independent body with a “clear remit” and cross-party support.
Speaking about his new role, Lord Chadlington said he would be consulting with industry stakeholders at all levels prior to making any recommendations, including those with “lived experience” of gambling.
“I am pleased to accept the invitation to chair this committee particularly as the five gambling companies are committed to implementing any reasonable recommendations it may make,” Lord Chadlington added.