GC appoints GREO to support gambling harms strategy
The GB Gambling Commission (GC) has agreed a deal for independent research sharing specialist Gambling Research Exchange (GREO) to support its new National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
Under the agreement, GREO will develop a programme of activity to support the strategy’s two key focus areas – prevention and education, and treatment and support. It will be tasked with disseminating research among relevant stakeholders so that it can be applied in policy development, and shared with international partners.
The GC unveiled it new strategy in April, with the overall aim of making faster progress on reducing gambling related harms. The initiative will run from 2019 to 2022 and will see the regulator work alongside public health bodies, charities and businesses.
“The new role for GREO to support the National Strategy is a perfect example of the collaboration we called for in the Strategy,” GC executive director, Tim Miller, said.
“GREO is a well-respected independent research organisation with a wealth of experience in gambling research and dissemination. Ultimately, their expertise, networks and insight will help us and our partners to accelerate progress over the next three years.”
Trudy Smit Quosai from GREO added: “We are thrilled to announced our work as part of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. It means we will be working with the best thinkers around the world to help tackle the issue and provide independent, evidence-based research to support the strategy’s priorities.”
The link-up comes amid a series of responsible gambling announcements in the UK this week.
GVC Holdings, bet365, Flutter Entertainment, William Hill and Sky Betting and Gaming followed up plans to increase funding for problem gambling treatment by setting out a plan of action to create a safer gambling environment.
However, despite this commitment, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Jeremy Wright has warned the government could introduce a mandatory levy if the gambling sector's voluntary funding plans do not raise enough cash to support the treatment and prevention of gambling harm.
Meanwhile, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry has published a call for evidence to support its inquiry into problem gambling in the UK.
In addition, the GambleAware charity has agreed a deal for data and analytics company ViewIt UK to operate and manage the information system for the National Gambling Treatment Service as part of an effort to tackle gambling-related harm.