Britain’s largest gambling addiction charity, GambleAware, is under investigation following a complaint alleging it promotes the gambling industry’s interests, which funds it through donations. The Charity Commission has launched a “regulatory compliance case” to examine these claims and assess whether GambleAware is adhering to regulations.
GambleAware, responsible for gambling treatment, education, and research in the UK, received £46.6 million in donations from gambling operators in the 2022-23 financial year. Critics argue that this funding creates conflicts of interest.
The complaint, filed by gambling reform campaigner Will Prochaska, Annie Ashton (whose husband committed suicide due to gambling), and the Good Law Practice, questions the quality of GambleAware’s services and educational materials.
They highlight a lesson plan for 14-year-olds that cautions against demonising the gambling industry and an online self-assessment tool that advises reducing gambling frequency instead of quitting, even for underage users.
GambleAware denies the accusations, calling them unfounded and harmful, and insists it operates independently from the gambling industry. The charity emphasises its work in helping thousands with gambling addictions through services like the National Gambling Support Network and public health campaigns.
However, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a senior Conservative MP, and Carolyn Harris, a Labour MP, worry that GambleAware is too close to the gambling industry. They believe that funds for preventing gambling harm should be managed independently.
The government is thinking about changing the law to make gambling companies pay mandatory contributions. While some suggest that GambleAware could still handle prevention efforts, Duncan Smith argues that the NHS should be in charge.
The Charity Commission’s investigation could lead to a full inquiry or actions like removing trustees from the charity.
Sources:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
- https://www.gambleaware.org/202223-supporters
- https://inews.co.uk/news/my-husband-took-his-life-after-a-free-bet-bonus-sparked-a-gambling-spiral-during-lockdown-1144417?ico=in-line_link
- https://members.parliament.uk/member/152/career
