GamCare published its latest recommendations for addressing gambling-related debt. During a recent workshop, the British charity called for better referral pathways between sectors.

GamCare Believes Better Referral Pathways Are Needed

The GamCare’s workshop used data from the National Gambling Treatment Service, according to which six in ten problem gamblers have outstanding debts. Furthermore, two percent of people in treatment are either bankrupt or in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

According to GamCare, these debts can amplify gambling harm, which is why it is important for gambling support sectors and consumer credit firms to address the problem. GamCare’s workshop was attended by representatives from various firms and organizations, including Bristol University, Lloyds Banking Group, Citizens Advice, PayPlan and StepChange, as well as people who have experienced harm.

One of the key themes of the workshop was for the gambling support and treatment services and debt advice sector to build reciprocal referral pathways. This, experts believe, would allow debt and harm to be addressed simultaneously.

GamCare has, therefore, started to build partnerships with organizations that offer regulated and free debt advice. Thanks to this, its treatment workers can join forces with PayPlan and provide gamblers in treatment with the specialist advice they need.

Some Problem Gamblers Cannot Deal with Debt

GamCare noted that quite a few of its clients have been unable to deal with their debts. This was echoed by lived experience participants who said that debt repayment may sometimes be impossible for active gamblers.

Lias, a debt adviser with lived experience of gambling harm, confirmed this to be the case. Lias added that signposting to various tools doesn’t always work, which is why the sector should get better at talking to clients about their gambling.

According to many lived experience participants, gambling support might be needed to help gamblers in treatment deal with their outstanding debts.

GamCare Will Work with Various Other Organizations

Citizens Advice added that gambling debts can evolve into housing and relationship issues. Because of that, its “Action on Gambling Harm” program seeks to provide better support to victims of gambling harm. Action on Gambling Harm is funded by GambleAware and trains staff to recognize, understand and address problem gambling.

Katie Fry, Citizens Advice’s project development manager, said that her company can now refer people directly to GamCare, ensuring they get the right support.

Another organization that will work with GamCare is PayPlan. Its vulnerable client lead Emma Gibbons said that the partnership will see its specialist advice team with the charity provide clients with confidential help tailored to their needs.

Racing and wagering entertainment operator Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced on Wednesday that it has closed the $197.2 million sale of 326 acres of property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, to the Chicago Bears.

Property Sale Completed

The sale of the land of the former Arlington International Racecourse property to the Chicago Bears was agreed upon in September 2021 and there was speculation that the Bears may seek to build a new stadium there.

Speaking at the time of the agreement, the team’s president and CEO Ted Phillips outlined three distinct objectives:  for the team to thrive on the field, for the community to prosper, and for the franchise to be able to ensure its strong future.

CDI stated that the proceeds of the sale will be applied to the purchase of the real property acquired in connection with the Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) acquisition, a $2.75 billion transaction CDI closed in November last year.

The Bears’ Open Letter

The Bears released an open letter to announce the transaction close and comment on speculation that they would seek to build a new stadium on the property, stressing that closing the deal does not necessarily mean that a new stadium would be built on the site.

“Finalizing the purchase does not guarantee the land will be developed, but it is an important next step in our ongoing evaluation of the opportunity,” the letter stated, outlining that “there is still a tremendous amount of due diligence work to be done to determine if constructing an enclosed state-of-the-art stadium and multi-purpose entertainment district is feasible.”

The NFL franchise highlighted that if a stadium is to be built, the development of the property would become one of the largest projects in the Midwest, estimated to create 48,000 jobs, generate $9.4 billion in economic impact for the Chicagoland economy, and $3.9 billion in income to new labor across the region.

The Bears noted that they would not seek taxpayer funds for the development but would need assistance to secure property tax certainty and support for infrastructure commensurate with the yields the project is expected to generate for the public.

In the meantime, the franchise will continue to solicit extensive feedback from the Village of Arlington Heights and the surrounding municipalities and their residents on how they can best benefit local communities in Illinois.

Initially opened in 1927, Arlington Racecourse became the first racetrack to offer a $1-million race for Thoroughbreds in 1981. Four years later, the clubhouse at the racetrack was burned down but this did not prevent the Arlington Million race from taking place, albeit amid temporary facilities and tents.

The deal with the Chicago Bears is similar to another transaction undertaken by the racing operator – the $257.7 million sale of Hollywood Park to the Bay Meadows Land Company in 2005. The property is now the SoFi Stadium and is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.