A £10 million plan has been launched to highlight the dangers associated with betting at a young age.

Around 1.7% of 11-16 years olds in England, Scotland and Wales are thought to be problem gamblers, higher than the equivalent figure for adults. Studies also show that

young people who gamble are more likely to become problem gamblers in adulthood.

The BGC has now launched a bid to raise awareness among 11–19 year olds through a four year education programme. Around 120,000 young people and 100,000 professionals, including teachers and youth workers, will take part in the initiative which will be delivered by independent charities YGAM and GamCare.

Although betting shops, casinos and online operators have a zero tolerance approach to under 18s betting, the National Lottery is still sold to children. The BGC has welcomed media reports that the government is aiming to end the sale of lottery products to under 18s.

Industry makes record contribution to gambling treatment

Support for gambling treatment services soared this year as the industry made a record contribution.

This year for the first time, funding support for GambleAware, the UK’s largest gambling charity, exceeded £10 million, with the lion’s share contributed by BGC members.

The record funding allowed GambleAware to expand its services, including the opening of the first NHS gambling clinic outside London, jointly funded by the charity and NHS England.

BGC members have also backed Bet Regret, a two year GambleAware safer gambling

campaign aimed at young people. In its first year, the campaign received £3.8 million. The industry also supported this year’s Safer Gambling Week which took place at venues across the UK and online.

Big four vow massive funding boost

The UK’s largest betting and gaming operators have pledged a massive increase in funding for problem gambling treatment services.

In June, bet365, William Hill, GVC and Flutter entertainment agreed a multi-million pound funding boost for GambleAware which will see them increase the amount they donate to research, education and treatment every year for the next four years.

The move is expected to generate £100 million to tackle problem gambling by 2023.