The president of UK gambling charity GamCare, Lord Sharman of Redlynch, has challenged politicians, the industry, the regulator and the media to face up to the facts about gambling in the 21st century.
Addressing his remarks to all four interest groups at GamCare’s 15th annual conference in London, he said: “First, let’s be clear. The government is not going to invest taxpayers’ money in gambling. It is not going to get a look-in in the NHS’s funding priorities. It will remain the industry’s responsibility to provide the funds for an effective response.
“Second, the cash available will always be very limited. The industry should raise more, but the pot is always going to be relatively small. Third, an effective programme for research, prevention and treatment which uses limited funds efficiently requires collaboration. Collaboration requires trust. And trust requires openness and honesty.”
Lord Sharman was critical of anyone who tried to pretend that problem gambling was not a significant issue. He also questioned the motives of some who call for more evidence, using this as an excuse for indecision and inaction.
While noting that there are 450,000 adult problem gamblers in Great Britain, 60,000 more under the age of 16 and a further 900,000 classified “at risk,” Sharman was optimistic about the future. “We have before us the opportunity - at last - properly to address problem gambling and I believe there are people in the key places who can make it happen.
“We are moving in the right direction, but we must make sure that we don’t lose our way. If we stay on track then there are great opportunities ahead, not just for GamCare but for all of us – and particularly for those who need our help.”
