The Gambling Awareness Organization (GAO) has stood by its stance and rejected “inaccurate and outmoded assertions.”
Zoe Osmond, the GAO’s chief executive, has defended the organization’s work following a grievance lodged by the Public Law Project.
The GAO maintains its position is impartial and refutes claims that it is swayed by the gambling sector. The grievance, filed in March, alleges that the GAO’s board members have failed to meet the charity’s objective of delivering adequate gambling harm education.
The grievance alleges that the GAO’s subpar performance arises from its ties to the industry and its “dependence on industry funding.”
Osmond responded in a statement to iGB, stating that the GAO is “completely autonomous” from the industry.
Now, Osmond has once again defended the GAO and believes the grievance will not be sustained. It is understood that the Charity Commission is still evaluating whether it needs to intervene.
Osmond stated: “Our thorough governance and commissioning practices guarantee that the industry does not influence our operations. The GAO’s independence has been widely acknowledged by numerous stakeholders, including the government, as demonstrated in the Gambling White Paper.
“The grievance submitted to the Charity Commission by the Public Law Project is based on misleading and outdated information.”
Although GambleAware has criticized the Good Law Project’s claim as being founded on incorrect data, the charity also expresses concern that such accusations could negatively affect susceptible gamblers who rely on their assistance.
“The deeply stigmatizing nature of gambling harm often makes it difficult for individuals to seek support,” Osmond continued. “Maintaining the trustworthiness and standing of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before their gambling issue becomes devastating.
“Undermining these services, and the committed staff and specialists who operate them, not only jeopardizes those who directly depend on them, but also the many who are indirectly affected by the gambling problems of loved ones.”
GambleAware cites annual National Gambling Support Network statistics to justify its work. The data indicates that nine out of ten vulnerable gamblers who finish treatment “experience an improvement in their condition.”
For those who don’t see an improvement, 69% of the time it’s because they didn’t complete treatment.
Furthermore, GambleAware highlights the influence of its website, which has 6…
Boasting 5 million visitors each year, and a public health initiative that reaches over 95% of the nation, it’s no surprise this destination is so sought-after.
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