Summary
- A breakthrough study featured in the British Medical Journal highlights the alarming risks associated with the new funding model for gambling research.
- Researchers fear that without proper oversight, the industry might exert too much influence over research outcomes.
- In the UK, there's a transformative shift towards a more responsible approach to gambling. The funds are now channeling directly to the state, fueling vital efforts in prevention, treatment, and research.
Scientists featured in the British Medical Journal have recently voiced their concerns about the shift to levy-based funding for gambling research, treatment, and prevention. Unveiled as a cornerstone of the UK’s latest gambling industry reform, this levy was introduced in April. It mandates that gambling companies contribute a portion of their gross gaming revenue to the government. These funds are allocated to enhance initiatives focused on preventing gambling-related harm, improving treatment options, and supporting research.
Is the new gambling research funding model in the UK reliable?
The industry has raised concerns that changing funding tactics might fuel the black market, but the British Medical Journal has flagged a different threat. A recent study warns that a new levy could let industry interests taint gambling research, potentially leading to public harm. The problem isn't simply the funding; it's about the lack of proper supervision by the government, according to the study. The oversight, or lack thereof, fails to shield the research process from commercial meddling. The dilemma intensifies with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at the helm of gambling studies. They're set to let industry insiders co-lead projects, with the intention of digging deeper into gambling companies' operations and accessing valuable player data. However, researchers are anxious this strategy might backfire, turning intentions into pitfalls.
The industry will still have some say in industry-related say
The new initiative is projected to generate ÂŁ100 million from the industry, but there are concerns about whether the funds will be used wisely. As GambleAware, a charity funded by the gambling industry, winds down, its resources will now flow into government hands, which will decide where to allocate them. A portion of this money, one-fifth to be exact, is slated to go directly to UKRI to lead research and innovation. This has sparked worries: will industry insiders genuinely seek to ensure research is thorough and evidence-based, or will they try to sway the outcomes to fit their agendas? These concerns are not without merit. GambleAware recently discovered that gambling company ads meant to promote responsible gambling failed to highlight its risks. Instead, they depicted it as harmless fun, possibly fueling an increase in gambling rather than curbing excess. Photo credit: Unsplash.com
