William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral (owned by GVC Holdings), Flutter Entertainment (previously known as Paddy Power Betfair), Stars Group-owned Sky Betting & Gaming and Bet365 have all announced they are willing to do more, according to the BBC.
A spokesperson on behalf of the CEOs of all five operators said: “We have engaged constructively with the DCMS Secretary of State on safer gambling measures including an increase in voluntary funding for research, education and treatment. We will continue to engage on the issues and will consult with all relevant stakeholders on this to understand how best to achieve our shared aim of minimising the impact of gambling-related harm. In addition, we have been working with a broader number of operators on measures to minimise gambling related harm and will comment on them in due course.”
UK bookmakers currently offer 0.1% of gambling profits per year, amounting to £10m. They have collectively pledged this will increase to 1% over the next five years.
The gambling firms announced their decision in a letter sent to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
In December, operators agreed to a “whistle to whistle” ban on advertising during sporting events, which will start in August when the Premier League kicks-off. Horseracing will remain exempt from this.
Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson recently announced his party would set up a new gambling ombudsman to protect vulnerable players if elected.
