In March, the Good Law Project (GLP) filed a significant complaint to the Charity Commission, aiming serious allegations at how GambleAware disseminates information regarding gambling harms. The allegations pivot on the assertion that GambleAware’s trustees are failing in their charitable objectives, particularly in providing adequate education on gambling harm. This potent criticism has shaken the foundations of the charity, igniting a series of defensive statements from the organization.
The complaint by the GLP alleges that GambleAware’s subpar performance is rooted in its close ties with the gambling industry and its heavy dependence on industry funding. This situation creates a conflict of interest, claims the GLP, which hampers the effectiveness of GambleAware’s missions and endeavors.
At the time of the complaint, Zoë Osmond, the CEO of GambleAware, responded vehemently. A statement issued to iGB underscored the organization’s stance, where Osmond asserted that GambleAware operates with “robust independence” from the gambling industry. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to its cause, supported by strong governance and commissioning practices that ensure the industry has no influence over its operations.
Currently, as the Charity Commission deliberates on whether intervention is necessary, Osmond has reiterated her belief that the complaint will not be upheld, maintaining confidence in the charity’s structure and operation. Osmond stated, “Our robust governance and commissioning practices ensure that the industry has no influence over our operations. GambleAware’s independence has been widely recognized by a range of stakeholders including the Government, as evidenced in the Gambling White Paper.”
The concern, however, extends beyond just a rebuttal of the GLP’s claims. Osmond expressed worry about the potential damage that misleading headlines and erroneous newspaper articles could have on GambleAware’s services and the people relying on them. “The complaint lodged to the Charity Commission by the Good Law Project is based on misleading and outdated information. While we are confident that this complaint will not be upheld, we are deeply concerned that inaccurate headlines and misleading newspaper articles may have a damaging impact on our services and the people that rely on them,” Osmond elaborated.
The nature of gambling harms is deeply stigmatized, making the road to seek help fraught with personal challenges for individuals.
. Osmond stressed that maintaining the credibility and reputation of vital support services is paramount to reaching those in need before their issues escalate to catastrophic levels. “The deeply stigmatized nature of gambling harms often makes it difficult for individuals to reach out for help. Maintaining the credibility and reputation of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before their gambling issues become catastrophic,” Osmond explained.
Osmond highlighted the risk such unfounded claims pose not only to the services themselves but also to those indirectly impacted by a loved one’s gambling problems. “Undermining these services, and the dedicated workers and experts who operate them, risks not only those directly relying on them but also the many indirectly affected by a loved one’s gambling problems,” she noted.
In defense of its accomplishments and dedication to its mission, GambleAware pointed to the annual National Gambling Support Network statistics. According to the data, nine out of ten vulnerable players who completed their treatment reported an improvement in their condition. The data suggests that the 69% of those whose conditions did not improve were primarily cases where individuals did not complete their treatment programs.
Moreover, GambleAware underscored the substantial reach of its digital and public health efforts. The charity’s website attracts 6.5 million visits a year, illustrating a significant online presence. Additionally, their national stigma public health campaign achieved a remarkable audience reach, with over 95% of the population being exposed to their messages.
As GambleAware continues to navigate the scrutiny from the GLP’s complaint, the charity remains steadfast in its claim of independence and dedication to its mission. Both the community and stakeholders await the Charity Commission’s assessment and eventual resolution of the complaint, which will likely have lasting implications for the organization’s public perception and operational practices.
In the meantime, the narrative unfolds as GambleAware prepares to strengthen its defense further, ensuring that the trust and support of those they serve remain unshaken.
