GamCare is pleased to make a contribution to the public policy debate regarding the social impact of gambling. It continues to maintain dialogue with regulating authorities and Government departments in the UK. These include the Gaming Board for Great Britain, The National Lottery Commission (NLC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

The charity also provides advice and information to the Government and in particular the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). In recent years the charity has been involved in the following:

• The co-ordination of the national gambling prevalence study - available in the Publications Section (link to appropriate page of microsite)
• Substantially contributed to Sir Alan Budds Gambling Review and to the subsequent Government paper A Safe Bet for Success
• The submission of written and oral evidence to parliamentary committees
• The continuation of assistance to the Government and regulators to develop and shape the forthcoming Gambling Bill.

Working with The Industry

GamCare, with its pro-responsible stance, maintains a dialogue with all sectors of the gambling industry, including regulators and Government. The charity recognises the legitimacy of gambling and shares the widely held view that it has become a mainstream leisure activity.

Gambling Industry

GamCare considers the link it maintains with the industry to be an important aspect of its work. In particular it:

• Enables discussion of issues of mutual interest
• Develops understanding of operational factors affecting the industry
• Promotes understanding by the industry with regard to social impact issues
• Provides a platform from which to encourage the industry to be socially responsible
• Facilitates the delivery of social impact training for the gambling industry
• Encourages the industry to support and adopt social impact initiatives

Initiatives

GamCare is a significant provider of information, consultancy and training to the gambling industry, regulators and Government. A number of initiatives have been instigated by GamCare or by individual companies and trade associations.