UK Responsible Gambling Non-Profits – Money and industry job vacancies

Almost 50,000 new registrations on Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme

According to Gamstop, they have had a 12% rise in registrations in the first half of 2023. This rise is equal to more than 48,000 new registrations. Out of that number, half of them have chosen the exclusion term of 5 years, the most extended term available. Total registrations with the organisation are quickly approaching 400,000.

Registering with Gemstop’s self-exclusion scheme will exclude a consumer from all licenced gambling websites. This serves as a tool for those trying to take a break from gambling and require assistance. Gamstop is offering that assistance to consumers and will continue to do so as the data shows the growing importance of this support. Out of the number of new sign-ups, 71% have been male, and 21% are between the ages of 16 and 24. This gives a big indication of where the most support is needed.

The Gambling Commission established the System Stabilisation Fund

The UK government has recently released a white paper that outlines a new statutory levy that will apply to all online gambling operators. This levy will be made mandatory and must be paid to the UK Gambling Commission. The funding from the levy will be used for research and education on the harm of gambling.

This planned levy has disrupted some organisations’ funding streams, so the System Stabilisation Fund has been made available to help aid the organisations that fall into this category. This is on the condition that applicants show commitment to the strategic framework set out by GambleAware.

Applications can be made to GambleAware, and if they are successful, they will be aided by the allocated grant funding. To have a successful application, certain terms need to be met. Organisations must show their commitment to preventing harm from gambling and promote awareness of the risks involved. Applicants must also show evidence of their need, their strategy, and the potential results of the funding.

All the funding for the System Stabilisation Fund comes from regulatory settlement funds. These funds are managed by the Gambling Commission to promote healthy gambling practices; in this case, a portion of it is allocated to GambleAware to manage the grants.

Request for gaming industry to enter shortage occupation list

Businesses in the amusements and gaming sectors are currently facing a labour crisis. This is due to a variety of factors, most of which are political in nature.

Years ago, people could move more freely, and European citizens had easy access to employment opportunities in the UK. Since the UK withdrew from the European Union, working visas have become a big restriction in many industries. The situation was made worse with the Covid pandemic when many foreigners returned to their home countries and never came back to the UK.

To make matters worse, the cost of living has been rising drastically. Pair this with difficult working visa processes, and you can see why there is a labour crisis.

Getting the gaming industry on the shortage occupation list will allow for some of the barriers that complicate the employment process to be removed. This will help to aid the labour shortage in the sector and will assist businesses in running more smoothly. This is what Bacta is urging the UK government to do.

Bacta has also shared its research which shows that a 50/50 machine ratio will be better for the environment by reducing machine numbers. The government will look to relax the current 80/20 machine rule.

More UK Gambling Gossip: Rewind to check out our previous news covering the UK gambling entertainment industry. You can use the ‘Gambling Legislation’ menu option. I also recommend a previous news story of interest titled UK Gambling Gossip.