The Gambling Commission and GambleAware have joined hands to make sure that they are able to stabilize the system of gambling harm prevention, treatment, and support. The move will help organizations across Scotland, England, and Wales. The development follows the decision taken by the Commission to allocate regulatory settlement funds to the charity.
Organizations can submit their applications; however, they will be prioritized based on the Strategic Framework of GambleAware. This is to make sure that they are keeping up with the governance and expertise aspects of the association. There are a total of five outcomes that organizations must demonstrate. GambleAware is willing to accept even if organizations demonstrate a few of them. Needless to say, the higher the number of ticks, the better chances for organizations to secure the application spot.
- Make sure that gambling harm does not escalate
- Bring down the legacy of gambling harm
- Spread awareness about gambling harm among the general population, not just those who could be affected by it
- Take services to as many communities & individuals as possible
- Take appropriate steps to prevent gambling harm among communities & individuals
According to the gambling news provided, GambleAware is demonstrating leniency in the above points; however, the same is not the case when it comes to showcasing the following elements by applications:
- Approach & model of delivery
- Evidence of need
- Value for money
- Impact & outcome of the steps
- Sustainability
Applications will have to demonstrate all of them at the time of filing their contending submissions. The current funding round is being done with the aim of short-term measures to bring stability to the current system. There are no intentions of replacing it altogether. The funding program is for 2023-2024. That is, it covers the financial year up to March 31, 2024.
GambleAware is accepting applications in two windows. The first window opens on August 07, 2023, and closes on August 21, 2023. The second window opens on November 06, 2023, and closes on November 20, 2023. The status of the applications submitted in the first window will be clarified in the middle of September 2023. The same for the second window has not been decided yet.
Zoë Osmand, the Chief Executive Officer of GambleAware, has welcomed the plans for statutory levy in their statement, adding that they are looking forward to the swift implementation of the Gambling White Paper by the Government. Zoë has highlighted that the decision to implement has brought several changes in the industry, including gambling harm research, treatment sector, and prevention sector.
Zoë has also stated that they, along with the Commission, recognize the uncertainty across the sector and the need to make sure that projects run as expected.
The funding process is not being undertaken with the aim of replacing the current mechanism or the voluntary construct. It is rather being undertaken to protect charitable organizations at a time of uncertainty.
