According to the latest figures released by GambleAware from April 1st – September 30th 2019, UK operators have come out top on the list of donations with GVC Holdings, William Hill and Bet365 all contributing large sums for the development of treatment and prevention of problem gambling within the industry.The donations, which reached £5.4M does not include regulatory settlements brought about by Regulators.
Largest Contributions From UK Operators
Ladbrokes Coral owner, GVC Holdings, donated the largest sum to date of £1.46M, closely followed by William Hill’s donation of £1M and Bet365 £868,000.Others on the list include Betvictor, the UK online bookmaker who donated £160,000, with Betway close behind, contributing £153,000.All contributors in the list come from operators and suppliers within the industry with more funds being donated from unclaimed winnings and dormant accounts.GambleAware ask operators within the industry for a voluntary, annual contribution of 0.1% of their annual Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). Companies with a lower GGY of £250,000 or less per year, to donate a minimum of £250.
Funds Due To Settlements
The charity also received £1.29M due to settlements from LeoVegas and Gamesys, after the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) penalised both companies.LeoVegas was ordered to pay £600,000 to the charity after the regulator found they had used misleading advertising and the handling of customers who had self-excluded and come to the end of the exclusion time. Gamesys were ordered to pay £690,000 by the UKGC for breaching money laundering regulations.GambleAware was set up with the aim to develop initiatives for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling within the industry.