The UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) has released important information for operators in the UK. New regulations that came into effect on the 1st of January 2020 state that “operators must direct their annual financial contribution for gambling research, prevention and treatment as required by LCCP SR code 3.1.1.” LCCP being short for Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.
This list, as stated by the UKGC, “is to demonstrate to operators how to be compliant with the LCCP requirement to make annual financial contributions to research, prevention and treatment.”
The organisations that these contributions can be made to are as follows, all three of which are charities:
- GamCare – involved in research, prevention and treatment, GamCare provide free support and advice for those who have suffered from problem gambling. You can call or live chat (online) with an adviser for free 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week, as well as join live group chats to speak to others who have also been affected by problem gambling.
- GambleAware – involved in prevention and treatment, GambleAware commission prevention services with organisations such as the NHS, their three “areas of activity” include Commissioning the National Gambling Treatment Service, public health campaigns & practical support to local services, and commissioning research & evaluation to improve knowledge of what works in prevention.
- Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) – involved purely in prevention, YGAM helps the young and vulnerable to “make informed decisions and understand the consequences around gambling and gaming”. This is done through educational programmes and by providing useful information and resources.
As part of casino licenses and regulations, the UKGC requires those operating in the UK to ensure donations (in the form of the “annual financial contribution”) go to at least one (or more) or the charities listed above. Operators cannot donate to an organisation if they are connected to said organisation, and have to make sure there is no connection between them. Additionally, operators have to also ensure that their regulatory returns provide accurate information about the amount contributed.
Can Operators Donate to Organisations Outside of This List?
According to the UKGC, businesses are free to donate to organisations outside of this list, however, these donations are not considered as legitimate contributions for compliance with the 2020 LCCP requirements.
For those who want to be considered for the list of organisations operators can make their valid, required contributions, you must fill out the UKGC’s form, and wait for the Commission to assess whether the organisation is suitable for the list. Organisations will not have to pay to be on this list.
Organisations who are successful in their application to the UKGC will be added to the list “on an ongoing basis”, meaning there is no deadline for applications.
