UK casinos may soon be forced to contribute to funding the research, education and treatment of problem gambling, under new proposals put forward by the Government.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe unveiled plans to introduce a statutory levy on the gambling industry to raise more than £5m per year to fund initiatives such as running helplines, treatment centres and commissioning further research into the issue.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that existing voluntary arrangements with gambling operators have failed to raise an acceptable amount. Gambling operators have contributed voluntarily since 2002 under an arrangement administered by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust. However, for the last two years the funding target has only been achieved very late in the financial year after major operators agreed to make up the shortfall.

Consequently, the statutory levy is scheduled to come into effect during the next financial year, unless the industry gives satisfactory funding guarantees. Under the proposals, premises-based operators would pay a flat fee based on the number of premises they run and the type and volume of gambling they offer.

Remote operators would pay a flat fee within bands based on the Gambling Commission’s licence structure, but the smallest on-course bookmakers and family entertainment centres will not be expected to contribute.

“We must ensure that organisations working to prevent and treat problem gambling are given the financial security they need to carry out the important work they do,” Sutcliffe said. “Gambling operators have a responsibility to help fund this and it is very disappointing that the industry has so far failed to agree improved voluntary arrangements to do this.”

“So, in order to ensure funding is in place for this vital work, the Government has today set out its proposal for a statutory levy on all licensed gambling operators in the UK,” he continued.

“If the industry can agree the improved voluntary arrangements in the meantime the door is not closed, but time has almost run out.”