GambleAware oversees the voluntary funding system and the RGA said that this has helped establish specialist treatment services and resources for research and education.
However, the RGA also said this strategy is “no longer fit for purpose”, citing the decision by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to flag up a specific question about the future of the funding of research, education and treatment in its consultation into the state of the UK gambling market.
Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the RGA, said: “There has been much to commend in the voluntary funding system, but if we are to combat problem gambling to the best of our ability and to minimise gambling related harm, then now is the time for change and for a fresh start.”
“We are all disappointed that the current system has been the subject of so much criticism and has struggled with fundraising, but we need to put that behind us. We have acknowledged the problem and put forward a long-term solution; we believe everyone’s efforts should now be focused on bringing this change about,” Hawkswood added.
“For the industry, this should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. More funding is needed if we are to fulfil our responsibilities to everyone in this country who gambles, and especially those who are affected by problem gambling,” Hawkswood concluded.
Source: GMB
