GambleAware chief government Zoë Osmond has robustly defended the charity’s work following a latest grievance from the Good Law Project. This grievance, filed in March, questions how successfully GambleAware disseminates data and accuses its trustees of failing to offer ample playing hurt schooling.
The Good Law Project argues that GambleAware’s underperformance stems from its trade ties and its “reliance on industry funding.” In response, Osmond reaffirmed the charity’s impartial stance, stating to iGB that GambleAware operates independently from the playing trade.
Osmond has as soon as once more reiterated GambleAware’s independence and expressed confidence that the grievance is not going to be upheld. The Charity Commission remains to be assessing whether or not it must take motion relating to the grievance.
“Our robust governance and commissioning practices ensure that the industry has no influence over our operations. GambleAware’s independence has been widely recognised by a range of stakeholders including the government, as evidenced in the gambling white paper,” Osmond said.
She additional criticized the Good Law Project’s grievance, labeling it as based mostly on “misleading and outdated information.” While assured that the grievance will likely be dismissed, Osmond voiced issues over the potential destructive influence of such claims on GambleAware’s companies and their beneficiaries.
Concerns Over Impact on Vulnerable Players
GambleAware is not only dismissing the grievance as baseless but additionally highlighting its potential opposed results on at-risk gamblers who depend on the charity’s assist companies. The charity fears that such claims could discourage people from looking for assist.
Osmond elaborated, “The deeply stigmatized nature of gambling harms often makes it difficult for individuals to reach out for help. Maintaining the credibility and reputation of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before their gambling issues become catastrophic.”
She emphasised that undermining these companies dangers harming not simply these instantly looking for assist but additionally the households and buddies affected by their family members’ playing issues.
Defending Treatment Effectiveness
To bolster its protection, GambleAware pointed to statistics from the National Gambling Support Network. These statistics reveal that 9 out of ten susceptible gamers who full their remedy see an enchancment of their situation. For these whose circumstances didn’t enhance, 69% didn’t full their remedy.
GambleAware additionally highlighted the numerous attain of its sources, together with its web site, which attracts 6.5 million visits yearly. Furthermore, the charity’s nationwide stigma public well being marketing campaign has reached over 95% of the inhabitants, showcasing its in depth efforts to deal with playing harms.
GambleAware stays steadfast in its dedication to offering impartial and efficient assist to these affected by playing harms. The charity continues to defend its practices and status in opposition to the allegations made by the Good Law Project, underscoring its very important position within the combat in opposition to gambling-related points.
Source: “GambleAware defends its position after ‘misleading and outdated claims’”. iGamingBusiness. May 20, 2024.
