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	Gambling industry urged to pay out for the victims of addiction Medium: Yorkshire Post Datum: 07.01.2009 By If there was ever an award for hopeless chancers, Graham Calvert would surely be on the shortlist. Last year, the once wealthy greyhound trainer from Wearside tried to sue William Hill after gambling away more than £2m online. His efforts to prove the bookmaker had failed in its duty of care proved the longest shot of all and the case was ultimately thrown out by the High Court. At the time, the ruling seemed a foregone conclusion, but while Calvert may have failed, the gambling industry is now coming under increasing pressure to take care of those for whom the odd flutter turns into a dangerous habit. Yesterday, the Government confirmed it is likely to increase the statutory levy on bookmakers and casinos to help raise more than £5m for helplines and treatment centres for addicted gamblers, as well as funding research and education into the problem, said to affect 280,000 people in the UK. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, existing voluntary arrangements with gambling operators had resulted in unacceptable contributions and – with just 360 out of 3,800 firms subscribing to the scheme – a new compulsory levy is now set to come into force during the next financial year. "We have put the protection of vulnerable people at the heart of the Gambling Act and that remains our priority," said sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe. "We must ensure that organisations working to prevent and treat problem gambling are given the financial security they need to carry out the important work they do. "Gambling operators have a responsibility to help fund this and it is very disappointing that the industry has so far failed to agree improved voluntary arrangements to do this. If the industry can agree the improved voluntary arrangements in the meantime the door is not closed, but time has almost run out." Gambling operators have made voluntary contributions since 2002 in an arrangement administered by an independent charity, the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT). However, ministers believe the shortfall in funding in 2008-09 will be around £1.2m leaving many support charities struggling for funds. "The delay in providing proper gambling addiction services in this country has been a disgrace," said Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster . "Ministers have repeatedly turned a blind eye to the problems their reforms have caused while continuing their hell-bent pursuit of the gambling tax bonanza. "While some parts of the industry have paid up, the vast majority have shown a complete disregard for their responsibility to fund problem gambling services. "Many operators – particularly those overseas – still don't contribute a single penny to the problems they're helping to create.Today's announcement is only a small step forward. We now need the Government to recognise that gambling addiction is a health problem and ensure all local health authorities develop strategies to deal with it." There were those who also pointed out the unfortunate timing of the levy announcement, which came just a day after the Government backed the doubling of fruit machine jackpots from £35 to £70. Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said the move was designed to help struggling pubs, clubs and arcades stay afloat during the recession. However, campaigners fear the change, which could be in place by Easter, could lead to a further rise in gambling addiction and leave the coffers looking even less healthy. "Fruit machines are one of the most addictive forms of gambling," said Dr Emanuel Moran, a specialist adviser on pathological gambling and member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. "So this decision is deeply worrying. Of all the different types of gambling, it is fruit machines that act as a 'learning device', where people get hooked on the idea of gambling. "Once they are addicted, they often move on to other kinds, particularly online gambling, and try to recoup their losses. "I'm not against gambling – I do it myself. But it is a highly addictive activity and public policy needs to encourage moderation. "The size of the prize undoubtedly increases participation and greater participation will nudge some people who were not gambling addicts closer to the edge. "Each time there has been a change to the gambling laws since the Gambling Act was passed it has become easier for the promoters to make more money out of the punters." A final decision on the levy will be made in April, but with the seemingly unstoppable rise of online casinos, poker and bingo sites, it will take more than an extra £1m to stem the tide of problem gambling. The full article contains 786 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Page 1 of 1 Last Updated: 07 January 2009 8:01 AM Source: n/a Location: Yorkshire Weitere Infos unter: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
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