Charities Commission closes YGAM case, finding “no conflicts of interest”

The Commission said it had opened the regulatory compliance case last week, in response to a complaint about links between YGAM and industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

However, both the Charities Commission and YGAM stressed that the case was not an investigation, but rather a fact-finding exercise.

After receiving YGAM’s response, the Commission has now opted to close the case, finding no grounds to launch an investigation.

“We are pleased the Charity Commission have reached this conclusion so swiftly,” YGAM said. “Our engagement with the charities regulator was productive and provided an opportunity to present evidence to demonstrate independence and robust governance. 

The Commission, in its message to YGAM announcing the closure of the case, said that it was satisfied that the charity took measures to ensure “no conflicts of interest” were present.

“It is reassuring to us that you have been able to explain the relationship with the Betting and Gaming Council as well as the written agreement in place with this organisation,” the Commission told YGAM. “We are also satisfied that the charity has sufficient mechanisms in place to ensure there are no conflicts of interest and independence is maintained.”

While the Commission did not reveal  specifics of the links it was looking into, it may have concerned a £10m (€11.3m/$12.2m) responsible gambling education programme that was delivered by YGAM, as part of its safer gambling commitments.

The charity said it would continue to work to increase awareness of gambling-related harm.

“Our hard-working team continue to deliver our charitable objectives and increase our social impact through our award-winning education programmes,” YGAM said.