BGC’s record problem gambling related harm donations

New figures have revealed that The Betting and Gaming Council’s largest members have donated £122.5m over four years to tackle problem gambling and gambling-related harm.

BGC members Flutter, Entain, bet365 and evoke pledged four years ago to reach £100m for an uplift in research, prevention and treatment contribution to be mainly administered by independent charity GambleAware.

In addition, BGC members also funded the £10m Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, delivered by charities YGAM and GamCare, which has reached more than two million 11- to 19-year-olds, and those working with them in the UK, taking overall donations from the largest operators to £132.5m.

Around a further £10m has also been donated annually from other BGC members and UK regulated licensees, taking the contribution over the last four years to approximately £172.5m.

This year alone, BGC members expect to provide RPT funding of around £50m to a host of charities.

Wes Himes, BGC executive director of standards and innovation, said: “Around 22.5 million people in this country enjoy a regular flutter, and the overwhelming majority do so perfectly safely and responsibly.

“Our mission to raise standards carries on strong and these figures demonstrate our actions are backed by significant financial contributions which are making a real difference.

“Our members have no say on how these funds are spent and RPT donations only go to independent organisations accredited by the Gambling Commission to deliver these critical services.”