A service to help problem gamblers has been given a cash boost.

Since 2011 GamCare Isle of Man has provided a service for problem gamblers and their families as an affiliated partner of GamCare UK.

However, due to recent uncertainty about funding its future was in doubt.

Motiv8 Addiction Services, which manages GamCare Isle of Man, has persuaded key players from the industry to re-establish funding and it has announced that the service has secured funds for a further 12 months, although it has not given the figure.

A spokesman said: ’As the service providers, we appreciate the goodwill and cooperation of the industry on the Isle of Man, as without their prompt assistance we were facing the prospect of closure.

’Motiv8 will strive to source funds and a commitment to establish a secure future

’ This in turn will ensure that past, present and potential clients and their families continue to receive confidential support and evidenced based treatment.’

GamCare Isle of Man was launched after Motiv8 conducted the island’s first population gambling prevalence survey.

This helped to establish a needs assessment framework and the extent of the problems on the island.

The charity says that the research ’demonstrated the need to not only have evidenced-based counselling and psychotherapy but also prevention initiatives, good quality education and the importance of a tailored service’.

As well as therapy, GamCare Isle of Man provides prevention and early intervention initiatives, which includes education in schools and the University College Isle of Man, advertising campaigns and working with other agencies.

Problem gambling services in the UK sit outside of the NHS and are funded by industry donations via a social responsibility fund.

A Motiv8 spokesman said: ’In our small community it is vital that we have access to the same level of treatment as is typical in the UK. Until recently a similar funding mechanism was in place through a levy that was paid by gaming operators on the Isle of Man. However, this system was unfortunately stopped by the Gambling Supervision Commission.

’Due to the importance of the gambling industry to our economy and our reputation internationally as a responsible gambling jurisdiction, it is essential that there is an Isle of Man service for the causalities of the industry, both now and in the future.

’We are hopeful that the industry can now develop its own social responsibility mechanism to replace the levy and continue to support problem gambling initiatives, including GamCare Isle of Man.’