UK Gambling Companies Pledge $72 Million after Criticisms

Several UK gambling companies pledged $72 million after they faced criticisms from social welfare agencies, consumers, addiction agencies, and health agencies. Many people believe that online gambling sites prioritize making money over gambling issues.

As a result of the criticisms, some major UK gambling companies pledged a large amount to treat gambling addiction. The fund will be for the treatment of gamblers affected through 2023.

According to the UK Gambling Commission, there are more than 9 million people gambling today. It is around 15 percent of the total population of the country. According to pay per head bookie statistics, around 2 million people have gambling problems. Out of those, 55,000 are minors ages 11 to 16 years old.

UK Gambling Companies Pledge

The British government already has a voluntary levy on UK gambling companies. They must pay the levy in addition to taxes. In addition, some companies pledged to pay one percent of their profits to fund gambling addiction treatments.

The voluntary levy can bring in between $72.5 million and $120 million, depending on the revenues of the companies. However, the pledge didn’t come from all companies. Some of the companies that pledged include Ladbrokes Coral, William Hill, Paddy Power Betfair, Bet365, and Sky Bet.

Some companies pledged one percent of their profits after the public outcry over problem gambling in the UK. Critics claimed some gambling firms spend more than $2 billion annually to market their services. They are more concerned to open a sportsbook and make money than concern themselves about social issues.

Before there were criticisms, gambling firms agreed to give $6 million a year for problem gambling treatment. Many people blame gambling corporations for the rise of problem gamblers.

In fact, the National Health Service wanted to tax the companies so that they can fund more rehabilitation facilities. Most social welfare agencies consider problem gambling as a health crisis in the UK. Before you learn how to be a bookie, be sure to know how to treat players with gambling problems.