Exclusive: Charity Commission Launches Investigation into YGAM Case

The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory investigation into the Young Gamblers and Gamblers Education Foundation (YGAM) over its ties to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), it has come to light. EGR.

The investigation begins after filing a complaint with the commission that regulates the activities of registered charities in the UK.

In a letter viewed EGR The Charity Commission said it has "identified some issues requiring regulatory intervention" and that an investigation will be launched shortly.

“We have initiated a compliance case to evaluate this matter and are currently engaging with the trustees. We are currently unable to comment on the next steps,” the response reads.

The Charity Commission will now seek to establish the facts related to the complaint before making a final decision on whether to launch a formal investigation into the charity.

The role of the Commission as a regulatory body will focus on aspects of the direction and management of the charity.

EGR understands that the complaint was for the payment of £10 million to finance the YGAM Youth Gambling Harm Prevention Program in partnership with GamCare.

The program is aimed at children aged 11-19 and aims to help young people better understand the risks associated with gambling. The campaign is evaluated independently and compared to the key target goals.

Under the agreement, BGC provided funding to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to pay out to two charities.

YGAM is one of the main recipients of funding from the BGC and is one of three charities on the Gambling Commission's Gambling Injury Funding List.

Regulatory fees paid by gambling operators following UKGC investigations are shared among these charities.

In a statement, a BGC spokesperson said, “BGC is proud to support the excellent work being done by YGAM and GamCare through the Youth Gambling Harm Prevention Program, which has exceeded its youth education and training goals in its first year. for those who work with them."

YGAM did not respond to a request. EGR about the comment at the time of publication.