The United Kingdom’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has indicated a willingness to consider a compulsory tax on gaming firms to finance addiction support services, but only if the government offers assistance to land-based betting outlets grappling with escalating expenditures.
Presently, numerous prominent gambling corporations voluntarily donate to research, education, and treatment (RET) initiatives addressing problem gambling. As an example, in 2020, five significant BGC members committed £100 million (approximately $123 million) to autonomous charitable organizations. This financial support aids the majority of individuals struggling with gambling who seek assistance in the UK.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher highlighted the industry’s current monetary contributions, stating that BGC members already make substantial donations to RET programs. Nevertheless, he stressed the significance of ensuring that any obligatory levy takes into account the financial burdens encountered by physical betting establishments.
Dugher contended that a viable funding framework for RET must recognize the increasing expenses faced by traditional operators, such as rising personnel and property costs. He advocated for suitable measures to alleviate these pressures and guarantee that funds are allocated efficiently and impartially.
Duher continued, “Our biggest participants have pledged 1% of their resources to back exploration, instruction, and therapeutic care through a wholly distinct framework.”
“It’s vital for BGC and our constituents to guarantee these finances are allocated towards organizations performing exceptional efforts and bolster genuinely autonomous, factually-grounded investigations.”
“The process by which these monies are amassed is less critical. I understand that certain individuals within the NHS have formerly declared they wouldn’t take contributions from the gaming sector, so it’s heartening that they now appear disposed to do so.”
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