The agreement offers the opportunity for GamCare to improve and expand the services that it has put in place over the last 15 years with the potential of a £500,000 (26%) increase by 2014/15.
Announcing this decision, the Chief Executive of the Responsible Gambling Trust, Marc Etches, said: “The Responsible Gambling Trust is delighted to have secured this funding agreement with GamCare, and is particularly pleased to have done so in a spirit of partnership and co-operation allied to a mutual understanding of the need for transparency. We welcome GamCare’s willingness to work with us on improving its own performance and that of each of its partners thereby enhancing value for money. GamCare has already commissioned external reviews looking at its existing services around the country, and it is committed to a major evaluation programme designed to evidence the impact its treatment services are having for those people harmed by gambling.”
Welcoming the announcement, John Penrose, the Minister responsible for gambling policy, said: “Problem gambling is a very serious issue, so I’m delighted that new arrangements for raising and distributing funds for research, education, prevention and treatment are slotting into place. The Responsible Gambling Trust, through its support for GamCare, is putting in place a sensible and sustainable support system for those adversely affected by gambling.”
GamCare Chairman, Anthony Jennens, added: “It is so good, at last, to see the realisation of what GamCare Trustees have worked hard for over many years. With security of funding both for the national gambling helpline and now our network of treatment services, we can concentrate on making sure that we provide a standard of help, advice and treatment across the country that is second to none in the world.”
