A new set of comments have been published by GamCare describing the newly proposed statutory levy in UK gambling as likely to bring a “generational shift”.
And while the responsible gambling body generally welcomed the approach, it noted that it’s absolutely vital for the levy to be implemented correctly as to ensure that those in need of support and services can get them “without disruption”.
GamCare’s comments come from its published response to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) consultation on the proposed statutory levy on the gambling industry featured in the UK government’s white paper, which was published in April.
Within its response to the statutory levy proposal, GamCare stated that it was “pleased” with the levy, but added that while multiple commissioners mean “targeted funding”, overlapping between the three areas means there needs to be a “clear direction” to reduce long-term gambling harms.
The charity said: “We’re pleased that this new system provides the long-term funding security for organisations across Great Britain working hard to reduce gambling-related harms.
“Having multiple commissioners means targeted funding, but there is a lot of overlap between research, prevention and treatment that can’t be ignored.
“We are recommending that the government implements a National Strategy that unites the three new commissioners with the shared ambition to set a clear direction to reduce gambling harms in the long term.”
Additional support for the distribution of levy funds will be provided by a new Levy Board, which includes the DCMS, and an informal Advisory Group that brings together experts from the research community and people with lived experiences.
