Only three charities qualify for RET contributions

The UK Gambling Commission has published its list of just three approved charities to which licensed operators must direct their annual contributions for research and treatment.

The initial list of organisations includes GambleAware, GamCare and the Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) – leaving many others wondering why they did not make the cut. Moreover, GambleAware is currently the only charity which can receive qualifying donations for research. The UKGC noted that operators “can continue to donate funds to any organisation outside of the approved list, but such contributions will not be counted as LCCP RET contributions.”

The Gordon Moody Association, which has run residential treatment for problem gamblers for many years, protested to not being included, despite submitting the necessary applications.

While Epic Risk Management, which educates on gambling risks and was also excluded, complained that as the application procedure was only made available a week before Christmas, it was surprising that any organisation could have made the preparations in time. The Commission added that list will be updated and maintained.

Any charity “seeking to be on the list of organisations to which gambling businesses may direct their RET contributions should provide information to the Commission to help us assess their suitability.

This will include the need for independent oversight or regulation” it said in a statement. In the meantime, “gambling businesses are required to make an annual financial contribution” to firms on then list, although “we do not specify an amount which may be contributed as this could be seen as imposing a levy, which is a power reserved for Parliament.”