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UK – YGAM welcomes former Gambling Commission executive as Head of External Affairs

YGAM, the national charity that works to inform, educate and safeguard young people against problematic gambling and social gaming, has confirmed the appointment of Daniel Bliss as the organisation’s new Head of External Affairs.

Mr. Bliss joins YGAM from the Gambling Commission where he worked for three years in a number of roles within the communications team. During his time at the Commission, Daniel was involved in key projects including major policy announcements and the launch of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. He previously held roles in politics and in regional media.

YGAM co-founder and chief executive Lee Willows said: “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to what is an agile, inspirational and committed team. He joins at a key point in the charity’s development as we scale to deliver the UK’s first national education programme with GamCare and supported by members of the Betting & Gaming Council which will see us collectively reach 7m young people over the next four years. Daniel brings valuable expertise to this dynamic role specialising in communications, marketing, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

“His role at YGAM is to advance the organisation’s marketing and communications across all channels, help drive the successful workshops and programmes as supporting partnerships with commercial organisations operating in the gaming and gambling space. I am confident that in his role as part of the Senior Leadership team, he will play a crucial role in helping YGAM achieve its objectives.”

Reflecting on his new position, Mr. Bliss said: “I have worked closely with a range of stakeholders connected to the gambling industry over the last three years and I am thrilled to be joining YGAM at this exciting time in their journey. YGAM has an impressive track record for creating and delivering exceptional accredited education programmes to minimise gambling-related harm among young people. As gambling continues to climb up the news and political agenda, I am looking forward to working with a talented and committed team as they continue to make a positive impact on such an important issue.”

In collaboration with GamCare and supported by the Betting and Gaming Council, YGAM has announced a target of jointly delivering at least one session of gambling awareness to all 11-19 year olds in the country by 2024. To help achieve its short, mid and long-term objectives the organisation is developing its team from its January 2020 headcount of 26 to 42 by the end of Q1.