Charity Commission finds no conflict in YGAM and BGC relationship

The UK Charity Commission has closed its ‘regulatory case’ against the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) after finding no grounds for any further examination. 

The regulator had responded to a complaint that raised questions related to YGAM’s relationship with industry standards and trade body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

YGAM replied to the complaint by outlining that its close ties with the BGC were needed to deliver the ‘Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme’ across England and Wales, requiring the support of BGC members.

The youth-led education programme had been developed in-partnership with GamCare as the UK’s leading problem gambling treatment support organisation.

The Commission stated that it was reassured of YGAM’s working relationship with the BGC, in which parties had the “sufficient mechanism in place to ensure no conflicts of interest and independence are maintained”.

Furthermore, YGAM underscored its governance structure in which the charity is led by a board of independent trustees who donate their time voluntarily to improve education standards on problem gambling at young people’s most formative age.  

YGAM projects have been outlined as a core RET remit required by the UK Gambling Commission in strengthening the National Strategy to reduce gambling-related harms.   

“The BGC and our members are proud to support the superb work being done by YGAM and GamCare through the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, which in its first year exceeded its targets for providing education for young people and training for those who work with them,” the BGC responded to YGAM’s case.

YGAM added that it would continue to execute its four-year national programme as a first-of-its-kind directive to deliver evidence-led education, training and support to young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as collaborating with other organisations supporting young people in Scotland.

It added: “We are pleased the Charity Commission have reached this conclusion so swiftly. Our engagement with the charities regulator was productive and provided an opportunity to present evidence to demonstrate independence and robust governance.

“Our hard-working team continue to deliver our charitable objectives and increase our social impact through our award-winning education programmes.”