News
Joint Press Release Responsible Gambling Trust and GamCare
1 August 2012
The Responsible Gambling Trust and GamCare have signed a new three-year funding agreement to secure the provision of treatment services for gamblers and others adversely affected by gambling through to 31 March 2015.
The agreement offers the opportunity for GamCare to improve and expand the services that it has put in place over the last 15 years with the potential of a £500,000 (26%) increase by 2014/15.
Announcing this decision, the Chief Executive of the Responsible Gambling Trust, Marc Etches, said:
“The Responsible Gambling Trust is delighted to have secured this funding agreement with GamCare, and is particularly pleased to have done so in a spirit of partnership and co-operation allied to a mutual understanding of the need for transparency. We welcome GamCare’s willingness to work with us on improving its own performance and that of each of its partners thereby enhancing value for money. GamCare has already commissioned external reviews looking at its existing services around the country, and it is committed to a major evaluation programme designed to evidence the impact its treatment services are having for those people harmed by gambling.”
Welcoming the announcement, John Penrose, the Minister responsible for gambling policy, said:
“Problem gambling is a very serious issue, so I’m delighted that new arrangements for raising and distributing funds for research, education, prevention and treatment are slotting into place. The Responsible Gambling Trust, through its support for GamCare, is putting in place a sensible and sustainable support system for those adversely affected by gambling.”
GamCare Chairman, Anthony Jennens, added:
“It is so good, at last, to see the realisation of what GamCare Trustees have worked hard for over many years. With security of funding both for the national gambling helpline and now our network of treatment services, we can concentrate on making sure that we provide a standard of help, advice and treatment across the country that is second to none in the world.”
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
Please direct all press enquires for the Responsible Gambling Trust to Karen Churches Peacock (Director of Fundraising, Responsible Gambling Trust) either by phone on 020-7287-1994 or by email at karen@responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk. For GamCare enquiries please contact Mandy Barrie (Director of Policy and Development, GamCare) either by phone on 020-7801-7058 or by email at mandy.barrie@gamcare.org.uk. Images available on request.
1 The Responsible Gambling Trust has awarded GamCare a grant of £5.7million - £1.9million per annum - over the three years 2012/13 to 2014/15. Subject to successful periodic performance reviews, including the implementation of recommendations derived from the initial performance review, and the scoping of further treatment service developments aimed at increasing treatment service availability across Britain, the grant funding may be increased up to: £2.075million in Year 2 (2013/14); and, £2.4million in Year 3 (2014/15).
2 In return, GamCare will increase the number of clients it treats to 4,250 in 2014/15 – an increase of 56% on 2011/12 – and will reduce its costs per client through more effective interventions and efficiencies. GamCare will also introduce agreed ‘outcome’ measures.
3 The Responsible Gambling Trust is the national charity that fundraises over £5million each year from the British gambling industry and it independently commissions research, education and treatment services to minimise the level of problem gambling and gambling-related harm in Britain (www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk).
4 The Responsible Gambling Trust commissions research, education and treatment services as prioritised in a national responsible gambling strategy advised by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) and endorsed by the Gambling Commission. The evidence-based strategy is a three-year rolling strategy that is developed in a collaborative, open manner between the RGSB and Responsible Gambling Trust.
5 GamCare is the national provider of education, advice, practical help, support and treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling. Founded in 1997, the GamCare helpline receives nearly 100 calls a day with more than 85% of clients rating the service as “very good” or “excellent”. In 2011/12 GamCare treated more than 2,700 clients. Around 90% of gamblers in treatment are assessed as problem gamblers; this reduces to around 30% at the end of treatment. GamCare’s return on investment is estimated at 7:1.
6 GamCare supports best practice within the gambling industry through training, GamCare Certification, consultation and training. GamCare Certification is an internationally recognised third party accreditation available for gaming, betting and lottery products across land-based, mobile gaming and internet platforms. GamCare training is face-to-face or via GamCare ExTra e-learning.