The GREaT Foundation has welcomed the findings of third British Gambling Prevalence Survey, claiming that it will help the industry to improve its understanding of its customers.
The BGPS is the third survey of participation in gambling and the prevalence of problem gambling in the UK.
"While gambling in all its forms is an entertainment for over 99 per cent of the adult population, it also can lead to addiction for a few - and, for these individuals, it can be a serious problem," said Andrew Tottenham, chairman of the foundation. "The Gambling Industry recognises this fact and it is the only industry that raises funds - through The GREaT Foundation - to look after those who may have a problem with its products. The results of the third BGPS will help the gambling industry better understand its customers and, through its donations to The GREaT Foundation, make available more effective education and treatment of problem gambling."
In June 2009, the Labour government announced that the system of voluntary funding of research, education and treatment of problem gambling would remain in place on the condition that a minimum of £5m is raised for each of the following three years. This target was met in 2009-10 and the foundation’s fundraising results for 2010-11 are on track.
