NHS boss calls on operators to do more for problem gambling
Simon Stevens says gambling companies are “abdicating responsibility” to problem gamblers
NHS chairman Simon Stevens has called on the gambling industry to do its part in addressing the issue of problem gambling, especially the role that gambling companies play in football sponsorships.
Addressing delegates at the annual NHS Health and Care Innovation Expo in Manchester, Stevens said: “There is an increasing link between problem gambling and stress, depression and other mental health problems. Doctors report that two-thirds of problem gamblers get worse without help and the NHS does offer specialist treatment.
“But reports that foreign gambling companies are failing to play their part in co-funding help for addicts are deeply concerning. Taxpayers and the NHS should not be left to pick up the pieces – the health of the nation is everyone’s responsibility.”
Stevens comments came on the same day that a Gambling Commission UK gambling participation survey revealed that problem gambling rates in the UK have remained largely static and had fallen by 0.2% since 2015.
Recent estimates from the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board state that problem gambling charity GambleAware requires a minimum of £10m in voluntary donations to meet its current responsibilities under the National Responsible Gambling Strategy. This equates to 0.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY).
Stevens called for greater engagement with football’s governing bodies concerning the role that these external sponsors play in promoting gambling, adding: “One of the things, if we’re serious about prevention, that we need to do – we need to be getting on to the Premier League and asking them to ensure that those foreign gambling firms are playing their part,”
Last month, GambleAware CEO Marc Etches called for a greater commitment by football clubs to address sponsorships of premier league clubs by gambling companies, saying that the relationship was at a “tipping point”, where gambling advertising was in danger of becoming normal for children. Etches also confirmed that he had held meetings with senior officials from both the FA and Premier League.
Referencing Simon Stevens; comments, Etches added: “We welcome the call from NHS England for gambling companies, wherever they are based, to contribute more to treating problem gambling. This mental health condition affects 430,000 people, and although free treatment is available through BeGambleAware.org, only 2% of those who need help come forward to get it.
“We would like to see all clubs, leagues, and broadcasters who profit from gambling work with us to help fund treatment for this hidden addiction.”