Helping to support socially responsible gambling research, education and treatment, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has made a valuable contribution to The GREaT Foundation.
Marc Etches, chief executive of The GREaT Foundation, commented: "Gambling is a form of entertainment that engenders for the vast majority of people fun, excitement and exhilaration without causing any harm. However, for a few - less than one per cent of adults in Britain - gambling excessively beyond their personal financial boundaries causes harm to themselves and their dependents. The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission recognises this fact and we are extremely grateful for the support it gives to our charity."
Chief executive of the Remote Gambling Association, Clive Hawkswood, added: "Unfortunately, there is sometimes still the perception that the online gambling sector does not support the important work that The GREaT Foundation undertakes. The truth is that it contributes well in excess of 20 per cent of the GREaT Foundation's funding and this generous donation from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is further evidence of that ongoing commitment."
In June 2009, the then 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. The GREaT Foundation has confirmed that it met the 2009/10 target of £5m and broke the £5m threshold for 2010/11.
