GamCare gets behind gambling levy as measure comes at a crucial time

GamCare, a leading UK charity that provides support and advice to individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, has joined the stakeholders to welcome the UK government’s decision to roll out a new statutory levy that will charge companies a percentage of their gross gaming yield.

GamCare says a statutory levy right way to prevent gambling-related harm

The money collected this way is designated to help boost research and elevate the nation’s understanding of where problem gambling originates while addressing it effectively.

GamCare Deputy CEO MarkWeiss has welcomed the new levy, arguing that the National Gambling Helpline experienced a record number of calls last year alone, with some 55,000 people phoning in.

The funding would prove an important level in helping maintain support and expand its efficacy. Weiss also stated:

"Having witnessed a steep rise in our Helpline callers citing difficulties with online slots, GamCare further welcomes the introduction of new youth-focused stake limits – an important step in preventing future harm."

Treatment is just as important in tackling problem gambling

Another standout feature of the government’s new plans, according to GamCare, is the clear focus on treatment.

"Just as we welcome this renewed focus on treatment, we recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable people, particularly children, before harm escalates. That’s why we welcome the Government’s emphasis on prevention," a post on the charity’s X social media page read.

The new treatment, prevention, and research system will be meant to dramatically enhance the nation’s capabilities of addressing problem gambling which may affect as many as 1.3m adults in the country, not counting underage individuals.

Gambling harm has been a polarizing subject in the country, with regulated companies having mixed feelings about the move, fearing that it could undermine their competitiveness, and even push people into the black market.

However, the industry’s largest players are already contributing nearly 1% of their gross gaming yield voluntarily. Under the new scheme, however, charities, treatment facilities, and researchers will not have to rely on industry goodwill as they will have a pre-allocated budget to plan ahead.