The Gambling Awareness Organization has defended its stance, rejecting accusations as “misleading and out-of-date.”
Zoe Osmond, the chief executive of the Gambling Awareness Organization, has defended the charity’s work following grievances filed against it by the Good Law Project.
The Gambling Awareness Organization has defended its position, dismissing claims as “misleading and outdated.”
In March, the Good Law Project submitted a complaint to the Charity Commission regarding the Gambling Awareness Organization’s approach to information distribution. The Good Law Project accused the Gambling Awareness Organization’s trustees of failing to meet the charity’s goal of providing thorough gambling harm education.
The complaint alleged that the Gambling Awareness Organization’s poor performance stemmed from its relationship with the industry and its “reliance on industry funding.”
At the time, Osmond responded in a statement to iGB, stating the Gambling Awareness Organization was “completely independent” of the industry.
Now, Osmond has once again defended the Gambling Awareness Organization, believing the complaint will not be upheld. The Commission’s assessment of whether intervention is necessary is reportedly ongoing.
Osmond said: “Our rigorous governance and commissioning practices guarantee that the industry has no influence on our operations. The Gambling Awareness Organization’s independence is widely recognized by a range of stakeholders, including government, as evidenced in the Gambling White Paper.
“The complaint made to the Charity Commission by the Good Law Project is based on misleading and outdated information.”
Although GambleAware disputed the Good Law Project’s claim, stating it was founded on incorrect data, the organization also expressed worry about the detrimental effects such accusations could have on susceptible gamblers who depend on their services.
“The profound embarrassment linked to gambling harm often makes it difficult for individuals to seek assistance,” Osmond continued. “Preserving the trustworthiness and standing of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before gambling issues escalate.
“Undermining these services, and the committed staff and specialists who manage them, not only jeopardizes those who directly rely on them but also many who are indirectly impacted by the gambling problems of loved ones.”
GambleAware presented proof of the efficacy of its treatment.
GambleAware cited annual National Gambling Support Network statistics to bolster the effectiveness of its work. The data indicated that nine out of ten vulnerable gamblers who finished treatment “experienced an improvement in their condition.”
For those who did not experience an improvement in their condition, 69% of the time it was because they did not finish treatment.
Furthermore, GambleAware emphasized the influence of its website, which has 6.
Boasting 5 million annual guests and a national public health initiative impacting over 95% of the populace, it’s a significant player.
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