Landmark announcement sees UK casino operator’s guarantee funding for GambleAware

UK’s land-based casino operators have agreed for the first time to guarantee that 0.1% of their annual Gross Gaming Yield will go directly to GambleAware.

The move shows that UK casino operators are dedicated to promoting safe and responsible gambling, with the proceeds being used to fund education, harm prevention, and treatment services related to gambling addiction.

Currently, most operators transfer donations to GambleAware via the National Casino Forum, donating to a number of charities at least 0.1% of their GGY.

However, they have now implanted a brand new, transparent mechanism which places a great deal of emphasis on the operators’ commitment to exceed the voluntary annual funding target for the sector.

Tracy Damestani, Chief Executive of the NCF commented: “This is a historic commitment by casino operators. They are guaranteeing that the casino sector will donate 0.1% of Gross Gambling Yield to GambleAware, in addition to making other charitable donations. They are underpinning this pledge by introducing a transparent new payment system.

“The casino sector has always supported fundraising for research, education and treatment, and casino operators are determined to go beyond both the letter and the spirt of the Act in their support for responsible and safer gambling. They want to ensure that research, education, prevention and treatment programmes are fully funded across the gambling industry.”

GambleAware Chief Executive, Marc Etches added: “It is imperative that all businesses deriving a profit from commercial gambling in Britain support GambleAware in the delivery of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy.

“This initiative by NCF’s members will ensure transparency in relation to the casino sector’s funding of research, education and treatment, and sets an important bench-mark for others.”