Pam Bergin Exits Gambling Awareness Trust

Imagine the leader of a pivotal gambling charity stepping down after five years of impactful change.

That’s the scenario as Pam Bergin leaves her CEO position at Gambling Awareness Trust in a few weeks.

Reflect on a half-decade spent aiding thousands grappling with gambling addiction in Ireland.

Read on to discover Bergin’s journey, the charity’s next steps, and the future of gambling awareness.

Pam Bergin Departs Gambling Awareness Trust: A Changing of the Guard in Ireland’s Gambling Charity

3 Key Points

1. Pam Bergin joined Gambling Awareness Trust in 2019, focusing on addiction counselling, research, and educational initiatives.
2. She leaves after Ireland passes its landmark Gambling Regulation Bill (2024), marking a major shift in the country’s gambling laws.
3. Bergin highlights supporting “thousands of people” and building a broad network of services during her tenure.

Pam Bergin, the CEO of Gambling Awareness Trust in Ireland, is stepping down from her position in the coming weeks. Her departure marks the end of a five-year tenure that saw significant strides in both Ireland’s gambling regulation and services for those affected by gambling addiction. Now, the charity aims to appoint a new leader to continue Bergin’s work.

A Five-Year Journey

Bergin accepted the role in October 2019, driven by her deep nonprofit background. Before joining Gambling Awareness Trust, she led efforts as Manager of the Portlaoise Family Resource Centre and served as a Development Worker with the Laois County Childcare Committee. These roles honed her expertise in community-driven projects and underscored her passion for social welfare.

At Gambling Awareness Trust, Bergin steered the organization through a challenging but rewarding phase. She oversaw funding for addiction counselling, education, research, and the prevention of gambling harm. Notably, the group championed national dialogue around responsible gambling, forging alliances with stakeholders like operators, regulators, and problem gambling experts.

A Key Legislative Milestone

During Bergin’s leadership, Ireland’s gambling sector underwent its most significant reform in years. In October 2024, the Gambling Regulation Bill was finally passed, transforming how the industry operates. Drafted in 2022, the Bill introduced modern regulatory frameworks designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals, promote accountability among operators, and clarify grey areas in gambling law.

Bergin’s departure coincides with the Bill’s post-enactment phase—when charities, regulators, and operators must align under updated guidelines. She leaves behind a legacy of bridging community needs with forward-thinking policies, ensuring that crucial conversations on gambling remain a priority.

Impact on the Community

Reflecting on her time at Gambling Awareness Trust, Bergin expressed that she’s leaving “with the knowledge that thousands of people have been supported through the wide range of services we established.” Under her watch, these services offered high standards of care for those facing gambling harm. That includes counseling, local support groups, and educational materials tailored to individuals and families.

She also noted meeting countless stories of resilience—those “in active gambling addiction, those in recovery, family members who were kind enough to share their experiences.” Listening to these voices shaped the trust’s approach, prompting them to refine programs that truly address real-world struggles. Bergin’s collaborative strategy united operators, nonprofits, and local communities to fight addiction effectively.

Critically Timed Departure

The search for a new CEO arrives at a pivotal time for Ireland’s gambling landscape. With the regulatory shift in full swing, Ireland’s gaming ecosystem needs strong leadership to navigate the next steps. The future CEO will face the challenge of expanding existing services, forging new partnerships, and ensuring compliance with the Gambling Regulation Bill’s objectives.

Meanwhile, Gambling Awareness Trust brand ambassador Oisín McConville, a notable figure who overcame his own gambling addiction, continues to serve as an inspirational voice. His involvement underscores the charity’s dedication to fostering empathy and understanding, while still pushing for robust reforms.

Looking Ahead

As Pam Bergin steps away, she leaves behind a reinvigorated dialogue on gambling addiction in Ireland. Her leadership championed open communication, bridging the gap between legislative efforts and real-life experiences. The new CEO will inherit a supportive environment rooted in engagement from various sectors—public, private, and philanthropic. As the organization moves forward, it aims to amplify the resources and programs that Bergin helped pioneer, ensuring Irish communities maintain easy access to crucial gambling support.

With Bergin’s departure, Gambling Awareness Trust stands at a crossroads. The passing of the Gambling Regulation Bill and an evolving social awareness of problem gambling present both challenges and opportunities. Bergin’s contributions leave a strong foundation for the next CEO to build upon, focusing on continued service expansion and community empowerment. Ultimately, her legacy reflects a determined push toward transparent dialogue, impactful programs, and a robust safety net for those grappling with gambling harm in Ireland.

The post Pam Bergin Exits Gambling Awareness Trust appeared first on Gamingo News.

Imagine the leader of a pivotal gambling charity stepping down after five years of impactful change. That’s the scenario as Pam Bergin leaves her CEO position at Gambling Awareness Trust in a few weeks. Reflect on a half-decade spent aiding thousands grappling with gambling addiction in Ireland. Read on to discover Bergin’s journey, the charity’s
The post Pam Bergin Exits Gambling Awareness Trust appeared first on Gamingo News.