The UK Research and Innovation Agency recently launched the establishment of a gambling research project, recruiting a department head to lead the project, which is funded by the statutory tax of the gambling industry. The application deadline is April 13, with a term of 24 months, under the Arts and Humanities Research Council of UKRI. In plain terms, the government intends to use the industry-paid taxes to lead the research on gambling harms, no longer letting the industry dictate. Want to know the latest developments in UK gambling regulation? PASA official website keeps you updated.
A 24-month term, aiming to create a "trustworthy research project"
The job posting indicates that the primary task of this position is to position the department as a "trustworthy and trusted project between the government and the research community" by the end of the first year. The head will provide "leadership, direction, and momentum" and decide the specific allocation of statutory tax funds. This move is part of the UK gambling white paper and statutory tax reform, aimed at addressing gambling harms through evidence-based collaborative research.
20% of tax revenue goes to research, having raised £120 million
According to the statutory tax arrangement, 20% of the funds are allocated to UKRI's research projects, 30% are used for enhancing gambling harm prevention, and 50% are used for treatment and support services. In the nine months since its implementation on April 6 last year, the statutory tax has raised £120 million. All UK licensed operators are required to pay, with tax rates ranging from 1.1% for online operators to 0.1% for family entertainment centers, pool betting, and other licenses. The Gambling Commission warns that failure to pay taxes on time may result in license revocation.
Industry reflection: From voluntary donations to statutory tax, striving for independent research
In the past voluntary donation system, funds were distributed through GambleAware, which will cease operations at the end of this month. Previously, several prominent gambling harm researchers had expressed concerns about the industry's excessive control over research. The new statutory tax aims to establish a more robust governance framework to ensure fair and unbiased funding. Last year, the founder of Better Change called for a strong governance mechanism to ensure the rational use of funds. Want to know the latest developments in UK gambling research? PASA official website keeps you updated.
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