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RIGT 2007/8 funding announcement26 April 2008 The Responsibility in Gambling Trust announced today that it received voluntary donations of £3.6m in the financial year ending 31 March 2008, against a target of £3.5m from licensed operators. The target was reached thanks to the generosity of three large high-street betting and gaming companies - Gala Coral, Ladbrokes and William Hill - which contributed sums to make up for the shortfall that would otherwise have occurred. RIGT Chairman, John Greenway MP, said: “It is good news that we have raised the sums necessary to meet our business plans and we are grateful to Gala Coral, Ladbrokes and William Hill for their particular generosity. We also received strong support from BACTA, which has made a significant increase in its contribution on behalf of around 400 of its members, and from online operators, who contributed more than would have been expected, given their market share in the UK. “The bingo and casino industries continued to provide substantial support despite the trading difficulties which they have been experiencing in recent months. We are pleased also to have received a contribution from operators licensed by Alderney Gambling Control Commission, and we hope to achieve similar arrangements with Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, both of which also license on-line operators. “Nevertheless, it is a cause for concern that many smaller operators did not make a donation. I have written to the Secretary of State, to confirm the funding figure and point out the extent to which the trade associations and industry have supported the Trust. I have also asked the Secretary of State to urge the Gambling Commission to ensure in future that operators fulfil the conditions of their licences by making the contributions agreed by their trade associations. “I am most concerned to ensure that there is a steady flow of guaranteed funding to the Trust in order that we can commission the necessary work in relation to problem gambling treatment as well as stepping up our work in public awareness, education and research. To this end we are reviewing our fundraising strategy in an effort to incorporate more innovative methods of attracting donors.” ENDS Notes to Editors: RIGT tackles problem gambling in Britain through the funding of treatment, research and education programmes. Its funding in 2005/6 was £2.2m and in 2006/7 was £3.0m. For further information, contact: Ron Finlay, 020 7544 3011 or 07779 013093.
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