GVC unveils new social responsibility plan to combat problem gambling

GVC chief executive Kenny Alexander has today outlined a series of corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures designed to minimise the harm caused by problem gaming.

The London-listed operator has set out a four-fold approach to allow for customers to enjoy safer gambling and reduce the negative impact that problem gambling can have on people’s lives.

GVC’s new four-pronged approach is detailed below:

Advertising: Three quarters of the British public think there are too many betting adverts on television in the UK. GVC said it recognises these concerns and will support a move to ban gambling adverts around live football, before the 9pm watershed.

Research: In order to better understand the scale and causes of the problem, GVC will be announcing details on a multi-million pound research partnership with one of the world’s leading academic institutions. This project will assess the extent of internet gambling, identify the markers of harm across products and propose improvements to our own algorithms.

Education: Educating young people on the potential dangers of gambling-related harm is also central to the policy. GVC has agreed to partner with GamCare, the leading provider of support to problem gamblers, to roll out its Youth Outreach Programme, nationwide across the UK. This investment of £500,000 over the next two years will continue to raise awareness in both young people and youth professionals of the dangers associated with gambling.

Increased investment: To support the responsible gaming programme, GVC will double its investment in this area, committing over £4m in 2019, which is twice the contribution called for by the sector’s responsible gambling organisations.

Alexander said: “As a leader in the industry, we fully recognise the need to ensure we do everything we can to ensure an enjoyable experience for our players that minimises the potential to cause harm.

“The measures we have set out today demonstrate our commitment to take tangible action to understand and reduce the impact of problem gambling,” he added.

GVC’s move to support a pre-watershed ban on gambling advertising echoes the sentiments of both Paddy Power Betfair and William Hill.

All three operators have called on the government to introduce legislative rules regarding gambling advertising so that there is a level playing field throughout the industry going forwards.

Last month GVC also joined the US National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).