Industry failing to meet donation target, says RGT
Responsible Gambling Trust says some operators aren't contributing the requested 0.1% of GGR to fund research programmes
The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has asked operators to “up their game” and start contributing the requested 0.1% of gross gaming revenues used to fund problem gambling research projects.
According to the RGT, operators made contributions totalling £6.5m during the 2014-15 financial year, however, the latest set of Gambling Commission figures showed that donations would have amounted to approximately £9m had the voluntary contributions been made.
Speaking at the RGT’s third annual harm minimisation conference at the King’s Fund in London today, RGT chairman Neil Goulden explained how crucial it was for operators to make a contribution of 1p for every £10 of gross profit.
“Many operators are generous and go beyond what we ask but it is true to say a large number of operators contribute nothing and others short change the target,” Goulden said.
“So today I am calling upon the trade associations, under the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling umbrella, to encourage operators to up their game in support of RGT.
“With your help, RGT has achieved a lot, but we have an ambitious agenda before us and we will need your support even more in the three years ahead,” he added.
Goulden’s comments were echoed by the minister with responsibility for gambling, Tracey Crouch MP, who said that while industry had made great strides in tackling problem gambling the issue would not be eradicated by “goodwill alone”.
The plea for greater financial assistance comes after the Gambling Commission’s new chief executive Sarah Harrison yesterday addressed the conference and reiterated the regulator’s intention to improve player protection and ensure the industry meets its licence obligations.