In a revealing start to the financial year, GambleAware has disclosed donation figures from April to June 2024, tallying up £294,722.99 ($382,745) in contributions toward research, prevention, and treatment (RPT) efforts aimed at addressing gambling-related harms.
The charity also reported an additional £40,000 in regulatory settlement funding, arriving from a one-off arrangement with the Gambling Commission.
Small Start, Big Shift Ahead
This latest round of donations aligns with GambleAware’s historical pattern: the first quarter usually brings in a modest fraction of the yearly total, with a surge often seen closer to year’s end. But there’s more than just numbers to this year’s early figures.
The 2024/25 fiscal period might be the last to rely on voluntary funding from gambling operators, as a statutory levy is expected to kick in next year. This would mark a significant shift, moving the burden of funding for gambling harm initiatives from voluntary donations to a mandatory contribution model—a potential game-changer for the organisation.
Transition on the Horizon
Historically, GambleAware has depended on a voluntary pledge system, where gambling operators are “encouraged” to donate 0.1% of their Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) to support harm reduction efforts. For smaller operators (those with an annual GGY below £250,000), a modest contribution of at least £250 has been the norm. However, as regulatory pressures mount, the industry may see a more structured approach to funding. A compulsory levy could potentially level the playing field, ensuring consistent contributions across the board and offering GambleAware a steadier financial runway for its initiatives.
GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond has underscored the importance of this funding continuity as the industry prepares for the anticipated statutory change: “As we transition to the new system it is essential that funding is maintained at the same level as previous years to ensure there is no disruption to prevention and treatment services for gambling harm.”
Steady Contributions, Strategic Change
Looking at the largest benefactors of the quarter, familiar names emerge. Star Racing topped the list with a donation of £27,547.37, followed by ProgressPlay contributing £24,346.68, Virgin Bet at £21,753.00, Postcode Lottery at £20,000.00, and Welcome Break with £19,300.00. These contributions demonstrate the broad participation of gaming operators, from big names to lesser-known brands, in supporting harm prevention efforts—even if they’re soon to be joined by a mandatory funding model.
