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GambleAware, the UK charity dedicated to improving awareness of problem gambling, will spend £32m tackling gambling-related harms in the next two years.

Publishing its Strategic Delivery Plan for 2018-20, GambleAware is significantly increasing investment across all areas of its designated role in delivering the National Responsible Gambling Strategy.

The funding is spread across research and evaluation (£9.8m), education (£5.6m) and treatment (£14.3m). In the coming weeks, GambleAware is also set to announce new collaborations with partners in England, Scotland and Wales.

The money will also be put towards new initiatives including the development of a “knowledge hub”, which will include online learning, digital downloads and guidance for educators and others working with young audiences.

The increased funding will also extend access for multi-disciplinary treatment beyond London for those with severe and/or complex needs, as well as help to develop focused education campaigns and initiatives targetting vulnerable groups, operators, sports teams, social media platforms and public and third-sector groups, such as GPs and debt advisors.

Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, said: “With only two per cent of problem gamblers receiving treatment, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure people are able to receive the help and support they need. The industry has consistently failed to meet its funding target of £10m, and it will need to step-up its contributions in the absence of state involvement, to ensure we are able to deliver this necessary expansion of services in future without relying on what are, in effect, fines for bad behaviour.

“We all have a responsibility to try and help those who may be struggling with a gambling addiction. We look forward to seeing the industry, broadcasters, advertisers and sports groups do their part to help prevent gambling related harm and work to raise awareness of the help and advice that is available at BeGambleAware.org.”