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UK Leader Warns Casino Operators
LONDON --
The UK government is upset over casino operators not contributing to the optional Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT) fund, which was created to help finance treatment for those with gambling addiction problems. The RIGT is an independent charity given voluntary funding by the casino industry.
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said the number of casino operators who voluntarily pitch-in is unacceptable. Only 360 gambling firms out of 3,800 have made donations to the fund this year. If that number does not improve soon, Mr. Burnham warned, a mandatory tax could be implemented.
His statement comes as treatment practitioners say a rising number of women and seniors are becoming addicted to gambling. He also expects companies to set aside a percentage of their net-income as a donation toward these services.
Mr. Burnham commented to reporters, "Everyone in the industry has a duty to act in a socially responsible manner, accepting that, for some, gambling is an addiction, not a leisure activity."
"Unless the industry delivers a considerable raise in donations by the end of this year, and make their payments in a timely fashion, I will seek the approval for a statutory levy, at a percentage to be determined later."
Industry analyst and Online Casino Sphere senior reporter Lee Rockwell had this to say, "Studies have shown that only a small percentage of gamblers actually become addicted, therefore it is important to have a strong organization like the RIGT be available with sufficient resources to help these individuals."
For more information about the RIGT, please visit their website:
http://www.ritg.org.uk
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