Government to force gambling operators to fund industry charity

Fundraising | Vibeka Mair | 5 Feb 2009

The government plans to place a statutory levy on the gambling industry to fund the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT) as existing voluntary arrangements with gambling operators has raised insufficient amounts.

Since 2002, gambling operators have contributed to RIGT, a charity which treats and researches gambling addiction, on a voluntary basis in response to recommendations from the Gambling Review Body in 2001.

However, voluntary donations to the charity have been low, with major operators often having to cover RIGT’s cost. The current shortfall stands at £1.2m.

Under new proposals announced by sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe (pictured) this week, gambling operators would pay a flat fee which would fund RIGT.

The statutory levy, which is allowed by the Gambling Act 2005, would raise over £5m per year to fund initiatives such as running helplines, treatment centres and commissioning further research into the issue.

Sutcliffe said: "Gambling operators have a responsibility to help fund this and it is very disappointing that the industry has so far failed to agree improved voluntary arrangements to do this.

"If the industry can agree the improved voluntary arrangements in the meantime the door is not closed, but time has almost ran out."

The 12 week consultation period ends on 31 March 2009.

Who's Who: Vibeka Mair

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