GambleAware’s 2023 Audience Segmentation Report indicated that around 4.5 million UK adults want to reduce or stop gambling, with 93% of individuals preferring informal self-guided methods of support. 

In a statement on its website, GambleAware states: “The app, which offers free and anonymous support to those looking to quit or reduce their gambling, is designed to prevent the escalation of gambling harm, and allows users to set their personal goals.”

The app includes features like activity tracking, goal-setting, motivational reminders, podcasts, educational content, and referral options.

App Aimed At Young Adults

The app is primarily aimed at young adults, with the 2024 Treatment and Support Survey released by GambleAware showing that they suffer from gambling problems at double the rate of the general population. 

The survey reported that 29% of 18-24-year-olds who gamble want to reduce or quit, compared to 15% of all respondents. 

Alexia Clifford, Chief Communications Officer for GambleAware, indicated that there is an increased risk of problem gambling in the digital age due to having a “casino in our pocket”. 

Clifford commented: “Whether individuals want to reduce, manage, or stay gamble-free, the GambleAware Support Tool is here every step of your journey.” 

“The digital age means we essentially have a casino in our pocket, and we know increased accessibility leads to increased participation and therefore increased risk of harm.”

The organization reported a 10% rise in individuals accessing the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) last year, compared to the previous year. 

“These harms are a growing public health issue, but early intervention is key, and the GambleAware Support Tool app is designed to give people a timely insight into their gambling, with the aim of supporting their journey to reducing or quitting their activity.”

Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines Central to the App

The app has been developed in accordance with the Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG), which were created by academic experts in gambling worldwide. 

As stated by GambleAware: “The LRGG highlight three limits that should be followed if an individual wants to keep gambling, but reduce many of the risks that come with it: 

• Gamble no more than 1% of your income 
• Gamble on no more than four days per month 
• Avoid more than two types of gambling per month.”

The GambleAware Support Tool is the only available app in the UK that uses the LRGG to suggest limits for users to reduce their gambling. 

Lived Experience Council Voice Support

Catherine Adams, a member of the GambleAware Lived Experience Council, believes the app will be invaluable to individuals who suffer from the same problems as she once did. 

The Lived Experience Council (LEC) is made up of a variety of people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm.

Adams said that “I would be gambling on the computer from six in the evening until six in the morning, and I just was not sleeping.”

By reminding users of their progress, Adams thinks the app will be of great benefit to users. 

She stated: “It’s positive being able to monitor your progress yourself and to see how well you’re doing in reducing or quitting your gambling if you’re goal-oriented. To see ‘I’ve done this many days now ‘or ‘I’ve saved this much money, I think it really does give variety of choice in your recovery.”

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The money will enable the National Gambling Helpline to provide advice and brief interventions to more people (£705,000), while £435,000 will provide access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where this is clinically appropriate.

A similar amount (£438,000) will develop peer support so that those recovering from gambling addiction can help others to access treatment and aftercare, while the lion share – £2,35m – will go towards expanding the provision of face-to-face treatment services in England, Scotland and Wales.

These GambleAware and GamCare initiatives will be funded immediately and supplement other developments that have already been announced, such as work with Adfam to improve support for those affected by the gambling of others, and a major investment to open the NHS Northern Gambling Clinic.

Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware, said: “Today’s announcement reflects a commitment by GambleAware to take a strategic approach to commissioning treatment services, to give people the help that they need to tackle the hidden addiction of problem gambling, and to improve the quality of life for them and their families.

“This significant expansion of the existing National Gambling Treatment Service demonstrates the shared commitment between GambleAware and GamCare, as commissioner and prime provider respectively, to make a real difference to people’s lives, by reducing barriers to treatment and increasing the capacity in the treatment system.”

Anna Hemmings, chief executive of GamCare, added: “GamCare is delighted to have developed a collaborative approach with GambleAware to support the expansion of the National Gambling Treatment Service. This funding will mean we can introduce broader accessibility, availability and choice for those harmed by gambling.

“With it, we will be able to reach larger numbers of people in more locations nationally, offering a wider range of services including both online and peer support alongside our existing treatment provision,” she said.

“GamCare and its network of regional partners provide services which significantly improve the quality of life of those harmed by gambling, and we will continue to develop our services to ensure that they can grow sustainably and offer the right support at the right time to as many people as possible.”

GambleAware announced last week that it had received £7.3m in one-off regulatory settlements that will allow the charity to plan to spend significantly more than the £10m it seeks each year from the gambling industry through voluntary donations in the short term.

Trustees anticipate that GambleAware’s actions to help deliver the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will require a significant increase in funding for core services from April, 2020, over and above the investment announced today.

Read Sean’s story here (second part here), as CasinoBeats speaks to a recovering problem gambler

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“How do you balance consumer joy against the potential damage?” McArthur said. “A source of fun for most – and deeply ingrained in British life – but one that can cause harm to some.”

Like Mims Davies, minister for sport and civil society, before him, McArthur welcomed gambling related harm being recognised as a health issue as “a big step forward,” while he also welcomed the sector’s improved attitude to socially responsible gambling.

“But progress has been slower than everyone had hoped,” he cautioned. “‘Responsible gambling’ tends to focus on the individual’s behaviour,” said McArthur. adding that addressing the issues as “gambling related harm” shifts the onus to the operators.

“We using ‘gambling related harm’ as it goes wider than the individual and looks at the affects on families and society.

“We need more diversity in the gambling industry,” he said. “In research, in the understanding of consumer behaviour, in terms of interventional techniques and also with regards to treatment.

“We have made progress,” said McArthur, “but to maximise we need to harness the good intentions of the leaders in the gambling industry and nurture a culture that draws on the wide range of skills and experience – to benefit consumers and wider society.”

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In a statement on its website, the gambling support charity explained that Osmond has received an OBE for services to tackling gambling harms.

Osmond has been working with GambleAware for over six years, previously serving as a Campaign Advisor from September 2018, before becoming CEO of the charity in April 2021.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this OBE,” stated Osmond. 

“This is recognition of the tireless efforts of the whole team at GambleAware, our partners, and the wider lived experience community who have shared their personal stories and insights with the hope of reducing gambling-related harm across Great Britain.”

Osmond continued: “I am privileged to lead an organisation that is committed to supporting those affected by gambling harms, raising awareness, and driving meaningful change. 

“As we enter a new year, we must continue to work together, strengthen our efforts, and ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the help and support they need.

“I dedicate this award to those who have been affected by gambling harms, whose resilience continues to inspire us every day, and to all the individuals and organisations working alongside us to prevent gambling harm.”

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In response to the annual report, the gambling support charity’s Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer, Anna Hargrave, noted that part of the reason why there is an increase in people receiving support and treatment is that the service has “been able to identify and support people at a much earlier stage”.

The Annual Statistics for the National Gambling Support Network report covered the period of 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and showed the number of people who received treatment and support from the NGSN.

The report also provided insight into the characteristics of people who received treatment and support, the details of treatment outcomes, as well as the trends in treatment and support over the past nine years.

Commissioned by GambleAware, the NGSN offers free, confidential treatment and support services for gambling harm, working with the NHS and other third-sector organisations. 

Operating across England, Scotland and Wales, these treatments and interventions are tailored to an individual’s specific needs and are available to anyone experiencing gambling harm, including those affected by someone else’s gambling.

NGSN treatment and support is split into three tiers. Tier two is “initial early intervention and support for people worried about their gambling, which may involve speaking to a trained professional from one of the NGSN’s regional or national services who will give initial support and if treatment is required talk people through their options”.

Tier three includes “forms of treatment such as one-to-one support, group treatment, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)”, while Tier four is described as “the most specialised and intensive level of care within the NGSN, where a person stays at a residential treatment centre”.

According to the annual statistics, a total of 10,754 people received either treatment or support from the NGSN. Of that figure, 7,463 received structured treatment such as CBT, one-to-one support or residential care. 

The latter figure represents a 12% increase in the number of people with gambling harm who received treatment from the previous year. However, the report noted that “approximately half of this increase is accounted for by the inclusion of an additional service provider – the Primary Care Gambling Service,” in the Data Reporting Framework.

“Not only have we reached more people, we have been able to identify and support people at a much earlier stage and that is part of the reason why we have seen an increase in people receiving treatment and support.”

GambleAware Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer Anna Hargrave

The report stated that the overall number of people receiving treatment included “3,291 receiving Tier 2 treatment only, 6,931 receiving Tier 3 treatment and 532 receiving Tier 4 treatment. Among those receiving Tier 3 or 4 treatment, 3,048 clients also received Tier 2 treatment”.

Of the almost 7,500 people with gambling harm who received treatment, 6,225 were people who gambled while 1,214 people were impacted by someone else’s gambling or at risk of developing problematic gambling behaviour.

The report also said that the proportion of people seeking support due to another person’s gambling has “increased over time and was higher this year (15%) than the past five-year average of 13%”.

For the first time, the annual statistics included figures on the number of people who received early intervention for gambling harm. 3,291 people received early intervention and support to talk about their gambling, while 3,048 people received early intervention and then went on to receive treatment.

Hargrave commented: “In 2023, we launched new commissioning arrangements that expanded the NGSN’s scope to include prevention and early intervention, in addition to treatment. This means that our services are now working much more closely with local communities, reducing stigma and removing the barriers to accessing treatment.   

“Not only have we reached more people, we have been able to identify and support people at a much earlier stage and that is part of the reason why we have seen an increase in people receiving treatment and support. Our new commissioning arrangements also included the addition of the Primary Care Gambling Service who work closely with our third sector providers enabling us to support more people across the NGSN. 

“We look forward to the introduction of the statutory levy on gambling operators and the future gambling harms commissioning system, and we will continue to work in partnership with all those in the sector including the NHS.”

GambleAware noted that other key findings from the annual statistics report include that 95% of those who completed their treatment saw an improvement. Among those, the rate of problem gambling fell from 87% to 10% between initial assessment and completion of treatment.

The NGSN report also showed that 50% of people looking for treatment had their first appointment within six days of contacting the service, while 75% had their first appointment within 12 days.

Among those receiving treatment for their gambling, 66% reported being in debt due to gambling, 24% experienced a relationship loss and 11% experienced a job loss because of their gambling.  

Professor Dame Clare Gerada, Director of the National Primary Care Gambling Service, added: “We work closely with third-sector organisations and charities to care for patients and their affected others experiencing gambling-related harms. 

“Working as part of the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), we share our clinical expertise and skills in gambling-related harm to those network members and learn from each other. This allows us to enhance the care all of us can provide to patients and ensures those experiencing gambling harm receive the most appropriate care and support when needed.”

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Changes that the gambling support charity would like to see implemented include a pre-watershed ban on broadcast adverts, restrictions on gambling content and marketing online, a blanket ban across sports and mandatory health warnings. 

Drivers of Gambling Marketing Restrictions

The call for gambling marketing change comes in response to a new report from the University of Bristol and Ipsos titled ‘Drivers of Gambling Marketing Restrictions – An International Comparison’.

Commissioned by GambleAware, the study aimed to explore “the social and political levers that led to increased regulation of gambling marketing in countries with comparable policy and cultural background” and the implications of this for Great Britain. 

The study looked at regulations in Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia since all of these countries, apart from Australia, have recently restricted the marketing of gambling products.

In comparison, the report says the UK Government’s Gambling Reform White Paper “acknowledged the harm caused by gambling marketing but opted to continue with a mostly self-regulatory approach”, and that Great Britain is falling behind in implementing legislation on gambling marketing.

Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of Peers for Gambling Reform, said: “Every day we are bombarded by gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship on TV, radio and online. There is huge public support to curb it and there’s a wealth of research showing the harm it causes. But we remain woefully behind the curve in terms of the regulation needed to protect individuals from harm. 

“Crucially, the power to regulate key aspects of this – such as gambling advertising – is already within the gift of the Secretary of State as set out in the Gambling Act 2005. Our current regulations are too lenient, and fail to advance the much-needed public health approach to gambling that Peers for Gambling Reform has long called for.”

Gambling marketing restrictions across Europe

The report stated that gambling participation varied across the countries listed, from 36% in Italy to 59% in Spain, while 48% of adults have gambled in the past four weeks in Great Britain according to the latest UK Gambling Commission survey.

“Studies using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) indicate problem gambling in all cases; for example, the proportion of people experiencing problem gambling ranges from 2.5% (GB) to 3.8% (the Netherlands),” the study said.

GambleAware noted that gambling marketing restrictions are becoming the norm across Europe, “with increasing regulation brought in to address public health concerns that increased public exposure to adverts leads to increasing harm and the normalisation of gambling for children and young people”.

The research study stated all countries except for Australia have “far more stringent gambling marketing regulations” than Great Britain and that in each of the countries researched, “regulating gambling marketing was a political choice, with new significant primary legislation put in place”, with the report stating there “needs to be a political and not a technocratic debate” on the matter. 

The Drivers of Gambling Marketing Restrictions report added that a public health argument was made in each case, that “increased consumption had led to, or would lead to, increased harm, and gambling was being normalised for children and young people” so there should be gambling marketing limits.

Changes to address GB gambling marketing

GambleAware said there is “no primary legislation in place to regulate gambling marketing including on TV, radio, online and in sport” in Great Britain, even though almost 500 research papers have been published from British universities in the last decade, which is “more research than Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium combined”.

The research study said: “Evidence of increasing prevalence and harm and the impact on particular groups were used to make the case for marketing legislation. However, such evidence was not the single tipping point for regulatory intervention. 

“GB has, by far, the most evidence of the negative effects of gambling marketing. This suggests a lack of evidence is not the reason for the lack of legislation in GB.”

GambleAware is pushing for several changes to address gambling marketing, “including a pre-watershed ban on broadcast adverts, restrictions on gambling content and marketing online, and a blanket ban across sports” as well as “mandatory health warnings on all gambling marketing”.

The charity also stated that “there is strong evidence to show that gambling advertising increases participation and therefore risk; exacerbates harm; and normalises gambling as just a bit of ‘harmless fun’ particularly amongst children”.

“We have previously highlighted that the lack of gambling advertising and marketing regulation in this country is a missed opportunity,” commented Professor Siân Griffiths CBE, Chair of GambleAware Trustees

“It is important we remember that gambling can be addictive and gambling harms need to be recognised as a public health issue that can affect anyone. We have long been concerned about the impact gambling ads and marketing can have on children and young people. This is why urgent action is needed to protect the next generation from experiencing harm.”

Advertising and other sectors

GambleAware noted that the latest data from 2017 estimated that operators spend around £1.5bn per annum on gambling advertising and marketing. Research from September also showed that nearly 30,000 gambling messages were shown to Premier League fans during the opening weekend of the season, up 165% from the previous year.

The charity noted that this increase occurred despite a June report from GambleAware and Ipsos noting that 67% of the public say there is currently too much advertising about gambling, while 74% and 72% back more regulations on social media and TV respectively.

The study also compared gambling marketing restrictions to other sectors such as tobacco, alcohol and foods high in fat, salt and sugar, which “showed significant differences in advertising regulations across these industries, reflecting varying levels of harm and societal acceptance”.

The report noted though that “Whilst GB surveys suggest that the public support gambling marketing restrictions, the extent to which gambling is viewed as harmful is not clear”.

Dr Raffaello Rossi, author of both reports and a marketing researcher at the University of Bristol, stated: “Our research shows that Great Britain has the strongest evidence of gambling marketing’s harms but some of Europe’s fewest restrictions. This suggests that the lack of tight restrictions isn’t due to insufficient evidence but rather a lack of political will. 

“Across Europe, bans on gambling marketing are increasingly the norm, seen as necessary to protect the public. Great Britain, however, is becoming an outlier with almost no meaningful restrictions. The evidence is clear — policymakers must act urgently to protect millions from preventable harm.”

Craig Tampin, who has lived experience of gambling harm, noted: “Gambling harm had a devastating impact on my life – my finances, my mental health and my relationships. My friends and family suffered immensely too. 

“What started off as what I felt were harmless bets eventually took control of me and it felt like everywhere I looked, there were endless gambling adverts. 

“Even my recovery was that much harder because while I was able to block apps on my phone, I couldn’t escape from ads online, on TV and the radio or watching football. It’s become so normalised in our country that I’m not sure how bad politicians realise it has become – we can’t continue like this and we need action.”

‘Fair and sensible’ changes

The results of the Government’s consultation on the new statutory levy are expected to be announced soon. While GambleAware is looking forward to its introduction, it has emphasised the need for urgent action on gambling marketing regulation.

“We look forward to the forthcoming implementation of the statutory levy by the new Government, which will provide much-needed clarity for the future system to tackle gambling harms and provide vital funding for prevention initiatives,” said Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware.

“But we mustn’t forget that the bombardment of gambling marketing in this country is a key reason why people find themselves in a position where they need advice, support or treatment. 

“The changes we are proposing are fair and sensible, but crucially will make a huge difference – gambling harms can affect anyone, and we must do everything we can to keep people safe from gambling harm.”

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Jaques joins the group as the new chair of its Lived Experience Council (LEC), underlining the LEC has an ‘integral part’ in informing, developing and monitoring its plans. 

The program includes a variety of people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm, including affected others. 

GambleAware also detailed that the LEC is strengthening its commitment to ensure its work is collaborative and best placed to support the communities most in need.

Jaques stated: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council. 

“I am proud to be part of the ongoing fight against gambling harm with GambleAware and exceptionally grateful to help guide plans for the charity which has helped improve the lives of families like mine.”

The group also appointed its first person from Wales, as Robert Parker joined the LEC to share and use his personal journey of gambling harms to provide hope to others.

“I am delighted to join GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council to help increase the understanding of gambling harms amongst professionals and decision makers across Wales,” Parker said. 

“I want to highlight the fantastic work of the GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network and be an advocate of the fantastic work carried out by GambleAware and the regional treatment providers.”

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Conducted by The National Centre for Social Research, the analysis uses research from 138 previous studies to explore how socially excluded groups in the UK are impacted by gambling. 

The research looked into several groups, including people who experience or are at risk of homelessness, older people, people living with disabilities, neurodiversity or mental health challenges, criminalised communities and migrants in vulnerable circumstances, such as asylum seekers.

“There needs to be more engagement with these communities to build awareness around the risks of gambling harm”

Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive at GambleAware

The findings identified a common thread across all of the studied groups, suggesting that they often use gambling to cope with other difficulties in life that are driven by social exclusion or discrimination.

Examples of these other difficulties include loneliness, mental health challenges, stress related to the process of migration and assimilating into a new culture, unemployment, challenges relating to job security, working conditions and poverty. 

Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive at GambleAware, said: “Our new report shows how people from marginalised communities, who are already dealing with many different issues in their lives, struggle with gambling harms.

“There needs to be more engagement with these communities to build awareness around the risks of gambling harm, and service providers need to ensure they can appropriately meet the needs of people in different circumstances. 

“This is why we launched our Improving Outcomes Fund, to support organisations which are running programmes to help people from different communities.”

One aspect of the research highlighted the disproportionate concentration of gambling venues in more deprived areas across the UK.

According to the findings, people from marginalised, isolated or criminalised communities are more likely to live in these areas due to socioeconomic disenfranchisement, and are therefore more likely to come across gambling venues in daily life. 

Stigma was also seen as an underlying factor that contributed to the various groups’ gambling activity, and whether they would be likely to reach out for support and treatment in response to gambling harm. 

Underlining the importance of GambleAware’s own campaign to reduce stigma around problem gambling, marginalised communities already face stigma related to drug use, homelessness or mental health issues that intersect both with one another and with stigma from gambling harms.

Natalie, a person with lived experience of gambling harm and homelessness, stated: “To break free from gambling harm you need to have a safe place to live. If you don’t have shelter it makes trying to recover so much harder and it can be difficult to access support without a permanent address. 

“We need improved ease of access for accommodation and support, and to ensure sufficient housing options are available for people experiencing disadvantage from addiction.”

As a result of the research, the report recommends that gambling treatment services need to be accessible for people with different needs to meet the intricacies of marginalised groups and ‘break down barriers for them to access support’. 

Dr Sokratis Dinos, from NatCen’s Centre for Gambling Research, added: “We were pleased to carry out this study for GambleAware. The report is a collection of findings and analysis of six scoping reviews, which were conducted to critically appraise existing evidence on gambling harms among communities in Great Britain who are subject to disproportionate marginalisation, social exclusion or subject to criminalisation.

“The results show how vulnerability to gambling harms for some people in these communities will be driven by compounding inequalities, stigma, exclusion, and discrimination.”

Additionally, a call for more studies into gambling’s links to marginalised groups has been made following the research as there is currently ‘a lack of current evidence and understanding of their needs and the harm they experience’. 

GambleAware has initiated several campaigns to tackle issues of gambling within marginalised groups in the past, having launched a £4m funding programme to improve outcomes for women and minority communities affected by gambling harm.

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GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond noted that the commission was “satisfied that the charity’s reliance on industry funding does not impact on decision-making about its activities” and that steps have been taken to ensure its independence from the gambling industry.

The Charity Commission told iNews in May that it had opened its case into GambleAware after receiving a complaint about the charity from The Good Law Project, an independent non-profit organisation.

The complaint, filed in March, accused GambleAware of a conflict of interest since it receives significant funding from the gambling sector. It also claimed the charity failed in its regulatory duties as chief commissioner of gambling harm research, education and treatment (RET) projects, services and organisations in the UK.

In addition, the complaint criticised GambleAware for spreading false information on gambling-related harms and suicides and questioned how effective treatment services commissioned by the charity were.

The Good Law Project stated: “The Charity Commission must take action and investigate whether GambleAware is breaking charity law by failing in their duties to provide unbiased information – accepting the false narrative that gambling is a problem for individuals instead of a problem with the industry. And we’re preparing to take legal action if they refuse”.

Following an investigation, the Charity Commission has closed the case into GambleAware “without criticism of, or findings against” the gambling support charity. 

The commission was also “satisfied that the charity’s reliance on industry funding does not impact on decision-making about its activities”.

“The Charity Commission has written to GambleAware to confirm the case has been closed without criticism, or findings against, the organisation,” commented Osmond.

“The regulator has stated unequivocally that they are ‘assured that the trustees have taken appropriate steps to both ensure its [GambleAware’s] independence from the gambling industry and to address reputational risks arising from its current funding model’. 

“Importantly, the commission has also stated it is ‘satisfied that the charity’s reliance on industry funding does not impact on decision-making about its activities’. 

“We were pleased to see the commission acknowledge our robust policies and governance processes as well as the important role our Lived Experience Council plays in providing advice and direction to our activities, among others.”

GambleAware also reiterated the importance of its services in helping those who have been affected by gambling harms, whether it be the individual themselves or their family and friends.

The charity and its trustees await for the government to finalise the operating model structure of the RET Levy to fund the NHS-led National Gambling Support Network, an initiative that GambleAware supported prior to the UK government’s Gambling Review being initiated.  

Osmond continued: “Gambling harms have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. 

“GambleAware is wholly dedicated to advancing our charitable purposes for the public benefit, which is why we have long called for the introduction of a statutory levy on the gambling industry to provide long-term sustainable funding for the treatment, support and prevention of gambling harms.

“We urge anyone experiencing harm to reach out. Help and support are available through the National Gambling Support Network and the National Gambling Helpline, offering free, confidential assistance 24/7 to those in need.”

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GambleAware

GambleAware has appointed Professor Siân Griffiths CBE as its new Chair of Trustees. 

Since 2018, Griffiths has been the Deputy Chair for the charity. However, she will now be replacing Baroness Kate Lampard CBE as Chair of Trustees on July 18, as Lampard is stepping down after eight years in the role to lead the Lampard Inquiry investigating mental health inpatient deaths in Essex.

Griffiths brings public health insight and experience to the role and has helped gambling harms to be seen alongside other public health issues. Alongside being Deputy Chair, she was also Chair of the charity’s Performance and Delivery Committee for several years. 

She has previously been President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, Associate Non-Executive Director of Public Health England and Chair of the Public Health England Global Health Committee. She is also currently a Non-Executive Director for Public Health Wales. 

“I am delighted to accept this appointment and to continue working with GambleAware to ensure gambling harms are viewed as a serious public health issue,” commented Griffiths. 

“Due to the deeply stigmatised nature of gambling harm, it can be difficult for people to reach out for help. This is why it is so important we take a public health approach, one which recognises the wider societal influences whilst focussing on early intervention and prevention activity.

“Alongside this, GambleAware’s independence from the industry remains paramount and is demonstrated across all areas of the charity’s work. I look forward to continuing these efforts with my public health colleagues and experts within the GambleAware Board as we transition to a new statutory funding model.”

Lampard initially joined GambleAware as Chair in 2016, then known as the Responsible Gambling Trust, where she oversaw the charity’s move to an independent Board of trustees, with NHS and public health leaders and improved engagement with the gambling harms lived experience community. 

During her tenure, she called for the replacement of the voluntary funding system with a statutory levy on the gambling industry, which has since been included last year in the UK government’s gambling white paper. 

She also expanded the country’s gambling harms system in partnership with the government, NHS and third sector through recommissioning the National Gambling Support Network. 

Lampard added: “I am pleased to be succeeded by Siân and to be leaving the charity in such safe hands. Gambling harm can affect anyone. From working with and speaking to individuals from the lived experience community I know how much of an impact gambling harm can have on individuals and wider society. 

“This is why it is fundamental that statutory funding is provided to address the issue. I am proud of what we have achieved and it has been a pleasure to see how the charity and wider gambling harms system has grown over the past eight years. I wish GambleAware and Siân all the best for the future.”

Nederlandse Loterij 

Nederlandse Loterij has named Arno de Jong as its new Chief Customer Officer.

Alongside this position, de Jong will also be a part of the gaming organisation’s Executive Board, which features CEO Arjan Blok and CFRO Jet Roos-van Aerssen. 

Since 2016, De Jong has been a part of the Nederlandse Loterij as Chief Marketing Officer. Before joining, he was the Marketing Director of De Lotto, the organisation that merged with De Nederlandse Staatsloterij to become Nederlandse Loterij in 2016.

Alexander Pechtold, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Nederlandse Loterij, stated: “Our offering of attractive and responsible games of chance through various channels is constantly evolving. 

“With Arno de Jong as CCO in the Executive Board of Nederlandse Loterij, we are putting our player even more in the heart of the organisation. So that we also remain leading and distinctive in the future – both digitally and in shops. Arno, with his entrepreneurial and creative spirit, is the right person to guide Nederlandse Loterij in the desired further development.”

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

Steve Brennan has announced that he will be stepping down as CEO of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission before the end of the year.

Posting on LinkedIn, Brennan stated that he is stepping aside after 17 years at the helm of the GSC and that he enjoyed his time with the commission “enormously”.

The search for a new CEO of the GSC has already begun.

Brennan commented: “After 38 years in the Isle of Man Government, the last 17 of which have been at the helm of the Gambling Supervision Commission, I’ll be stepping down as its Chief Executive towards the end of this year. The search for my replacement has begun and I am pleased to share the link to the recruitment information pack.

“While the information pack details pretty much everything you need to know, it doesn’t really convey the incredible people you’ll meet, the fabulous professional relationships you’ll build, the expert knowledge sharing you’ll enjoy and the great camaraderie and support the sector offers.

“I’ve enjoyed my time enormously and hopefully contributed, in some way, to the advancement of regulating, and regulation of, online gambling.”

Xpoint

Xpoint has added Ron Braunfeld as Chief Revenue Officer.

Braunfeld brings experience in business development, sales, and strategic partnerships within the technology and venture capital sectors to Xpoint, including over 12 years of experience in the location technology sector. 

Most recently, he was Vice President of Business Development at Mobi Systems. He has also served as General Manager for Philadelphia at Capsule and has worked at MapQuest, WHERE, PayPal, SnipSnap and Pingup.

Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ron to our executive team as Chief Revenue Officer. His extensive experience and impressive achievements in business development and sales within the technology and venture capital industries will be invaluable as we expand our offering and strengthen our market position.”

As CRO, Braunfeld will be responsible for Xpoint’s revenue generation efforts, enhancing client relationships and identifying new business opportunities.

Braunfeld commented on his appointment: “The igaming and geolocation industries are developing rapidly, so to join an innovative technology-focused company like Xpoint at this time is incredibly exciting.

“I am looking forward to helping the company continue its strong growth trajectory through the delivery of the most accurate, reliable and cost-effective geolocation services available in the market.”

GR8 Tech

GR8 Tech has expanded the roles of CTO Artur Ashyrov and CRO Oleksandr Feshchenko, promoting them both to the position of Deputy CEO. 

The company has undergone the management team expansion to allow for CEO Evgen Belousov to be “less involved in operational matters and more focused on the strategic and visionary aspects of the business, moving towards GR8 Tech’s long-term goals”.

Belousov stated: “The greatest challenges and opportunities arise where the interests of different functions intersect. Oleksandr and Artur have a proven track record in cross-functional projects, showcasing their deep understanding of our business. Their new

roles will enable them to steer GR8 Tech toward even greater success.”

As Deputy CEOs, Ashyrov and Feshchenko will help to identify growth opportunities and action plans to address them, in addition to continuing to lead GR8 Tech’s technology and revenue functions.

“I’m a huge believer in the efficiency of cross-functional teams, having seen their ingenuity and fresh approach multiple times,” commented Ashyrov.

“Combining my CTO experience with a Deputy CEO perspective is an exciting and extremely interesting challenge. I’m eager to enhance our internal processes and deliver noticeable improvements in our SLAs, platform’s stability and performance, and so on.”

Feshchenko added: “Coming from the product side, I’ve always been invested in the entire lifecycle – from profitability to process optimization. As Deputy CEO and CRO, I’m excited to implement my vision for a more efficient and innovative company-wide flow.”

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