British problem gambling support charity GambleAware has received voluntary donations of £10.05m for the 12 months ending 31 March, the first time that donations have exceeded the charity’s minimum target of £10m.

GVC topped the list of donors to the UK-based charity, donating £1.46m during the year, with William Hill and Flutter Entertainment each contributing £1m, ahead of bet365’s £868,000 and Sky Betting and Gaming’s £705,000.

In addition to this, GambleAware received £1.5m in regulatory settlements, including £600,000 from LeoVegas, £690,000 from Gamesys, and £155,000 from Playtech.

“For the tenth year in a row, we have seen an increase in donations, which means for the first time, we have been able to meet our minimum target of £10m,” said GambleAware CEO Marc Etches. “Commissioning a coherent, coordinated and efficient system of prevention and treatment requires the strategic distribution of sufficient funding, guided by appropriate expertise underpinned by effective partnership working.

“Our mission is to keep people safe from gambling harm and these donations are vital to making sure we are able to deliver on that mission. Gambling is a serious public health issue in Great Britain, with two million adults experiencing some level of gambling harm. With these donations, we are able to continue funding the National Gambling Treatment Service to provide treatment for those who need it, while working in partnership with the NHS and Citizens Advice amongst others.”

A spokesperson for the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said: “We are pleased that our members have stepped up their funding of GambleAware along with a range of other charities to increase the help and support available to those at risk.

“Our largest members have gone further and committed up to an additional £100m to research, education and treatment over the next four years, increasing donations from 0.1 per cent of profit to 1 per cent of profit.”

GambleAware also revealed that it received £3.8m in support for its safer gambling campaign, Bet Regret, for its first year in 2019. This comprised donations from 20 leading UK operators, including £683,846 from Flutter Entertainment, £643,847 from GVC, £580,898 from bet365 and £565,000 from The Stars Group.

“With a continued focus on advertising, it is good to see £3.8m raised from the industry for the Bet Regret campaign which amplifies safer gambling messages and also has the support of major media partners,” said the BGC. “This work and funding will continue in 2020/21.

“Through continued funding by our industry over more than 20 years charitable services are able to provide free of charge treatment, support and advice services for anyone affected by gambling.”