$5 million donated by gambling companies

5/29/10 – The GREaT Foundation problem gambling charity in Britain, which is funded by voluntary contributions from the gambling industry, has announced that its 2010 target of GBP 5 million has been achieved.
 
The target was set by the government’s Responsible Gambling Strategy Board amid hints that failure to contribute could result in mandatory levies imposed by government.
 
Just over one-third of firms holding UK gambling licenses made a donation to the foundation in 2009/10, GREaT director Geoffrey Godbold, said.
 
"We're hoping that as we've raised GBP 5 million those within the industry that did not contribute will see that it's not a hopeless cause and it can be done," he said. "It's in the best interest of the industry to avoid the question of a mandatory levy so I hope in the future it will be viewed as the ‘in thing to do'.
 
"Of course with a new government there is an idea that it is a fresh start," Godbold added. "The industry wants to be seen to be responsible."