Gordon Moody has emphasised the importance of the role of the third sector as safer gambling frameworks move into a new era in the UK. The treatment and support charity has issued its response to a misunderstanding by the NHS at the GambleAware Conference in London.
The conference was the first after confirmation of the new statutory levy and the application of £2/£5 stake limits in the UK, which Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross underlined will ensure Britain has the safest gambling environments.
As the landscape unfolds the NHS will be positioned as the Chief Commissioner with the goal of improving the accessibility, quality, and impact of services tackling gambling-related harms by addressing the individual needs of local communities.
However, the GambleAware conference provided a stage to emphasise just how crucial collaboration will be moving forward and why it’s so vital that the third sector continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding players.
In spite of this, Dr Claire Murdoch, National Mental Health Director, NHS England, surprisingly took aim at the industry and pinpointed Gordon Moody, for “stoking demand and preying on the vulnerable”, having apparently confused the non-profit with an operator.
She later took to X to state the comments “badly reflected Gordon Moody’s position on industry. Rushing. I want to thank you for great work. Happy to meet to further address your important questions on procurement and hear more about your work”.
Gordon Moody provided CasinoBeats with the following statement in response: “We are pleased that Dr Claire Murdoch quickly clarified her comment about Gordon Moody made at the recent GambleAware conference during her In Conversation session with GambleAware CEO, Zoe Osmond. We look forward to meeting with Dr Murdoch to explain the work Gordon Moody has been doing since 1971 to help people reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling-related harms.
“Gordon Moody is the expert by experience in the gambling harm treatment space. Our unique programmes are delivered by highly qualified professionals who are equipped to focus not just on gambling harm, but also on other comorbidities. We carry out comprehensive assessments that help us integrate appropriate therapies into personalised treatment plans that address each service user’s unique needs.
“The new commissioning framework will fundamentally change how treatment services are funded. It is vitally important that the framework takes into account the work of organisations like Gordon Moody, as well as those within the NGSN and the wider third sector.”
