GVC to fund new US problem gambling report

GVC is to help fund a major new study into problem gambling in the US as part of a long-term commitment to the US National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

The owner of brands such as Ladbrokes, PartyPoker and Bwin recently linked up with casino giant MGM in a $200m joint venture, with the parties saying they expect to “dominate” the US sports betting market.

As the company expands its presence across the US – the link with MGM gives it access to more than a dozen states – it has now joined the NCPG’s President’s Circle, which is part of the NGO’s strategic commitment to act as the national advocate for programmes and services to assist problem gamblers and their families.

Through its membership, GVC said it would support NCPG’s ability to “provide the advocacy, awareness and assistance needed to promote responsible gaming behaviours and address areas of problem gambling”.

GVC CEO Kenneth Alexander (pictured) said: “Joining the NCPG’s President’s Circle reinforces our commitment to ensure that GVC promotes the highest standards of responsible gaming while ensuring our customers can enjoy our products in a safe environment.”

As part of its membership with NCPG, GVC is to help fund ‘The National Survey of Gambling in America’, a major new study which aims to identify the prevalence of gambling within the US.

The study is designed to establish a baseline for the levels of problem gambling behaviour in the US, and give stakeholders a better understanding of the issue. The NCPG does not take a position for or against legalised gambling.

Keith Whyte, the NCPG’s executive director, added: “We warmly welcome GVC to the President’s Circle. As a global leader in online gaming, GVC’s experience and operational excellence are a huge asset to NCPG and we look forward to working with them to develop and affirm national standards in responsible gaming.”

NCPG Platinum Members include Caesars, MGM Resorts and The Stars Group.

In 2016, an NCPG co-sponsored survey found that just 23 cents per capita of public funding was earmarked for problem gambling services across the country.