GWL confirms Prochaska exit as Strategy Director

Gambling with Lives (GWL) has announced that Will Prochaska has resigned as Strategy Director of the charity and reform group representing the families of those bereaved by gambling-related suicides.

As announced this weekend, “Will Prochaska is leaving to operate as an independent advisor on gambling harm initiatives, a move that reflects his continued commitment to tackling the harm caused by the gambling industry.”

As Strategy Director, Prochaska oversaw GWL’s public affairs and media coverage to “change the narrative around gambling harms and reform of the UK gambling industry.”

During his four-year tenure, GWL launched its high-impact ‘Big Step‘ campaign, calling on all English football clubs to end their commercial relationships with betting/gambling firms.

Before the publication of the Gambling Review’s White Paper, GWL presented PM Rishi Sunak with a demand from mothers bereaved by gambling-related suicides to ensure that the “gambling industry should not control research, education, or treatment of problem gambling.”

The government has upheld GWL’s demand as it reviews the pending structure of the UK’s mandatory levy for gambling research, education, or treatment (RET) duties, which will be overseen by the NHS.

Calling for a significant change in all matters related to gambling and public health, Prochaska criticized the industry’s Safer Gambling Week (SGWeek) as a cringe campaign and an annual deception of the British public.

Reflecting on his tenure, Prochaska said, “It has been a privilege to work with such a passionate and dedicated team at Gambling with Lives. Together, we’ve made significant strides in raising awareness about gambling harm and reining in an out-of-control gambling industry. I look forward to continuing to support the charity’s work.”

GWL announced that Prochaska will begin work with a new organization in February. Charles Ritchie, co-chair of Gambling with Lives, said, “While we’re sad to see Will go, we’re happy he’s staying in this field and continuing to advocate for gambling reform. Will has helped make Gambling with Lives what it is today; his impact has been immeasurable. 

We are incredibly grateful for the strategic vision, passion, and expertise he brought to his role. We wish him all the success in the future and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”