UK gambling operators’ regulatory failings are now helping to fund problem gambling charities, while the National Lottery has committed £600m to backstop charities and other organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced that it was donating £9m to the industry-funded responsible gambling charity GambleAware. The UKGC’s donation is intended to ensure that the charity can continue to provide treatment and support for individuals who suffer gambling harm during the pandemic lockdown.

While the UKGC’s own research indicates that gambling participation has decreased since the lockdown began, the regulator said there is “evidence that some people are increasing their use of certain gambling products such as online slots, poker, casino gaming and virtual sports.”

The UKGC noted that the £9m came from the £27m in financial penalties it has imposed on its online and land-based licensees since the start of this year. GambleAware announced last week that it had exceeded its annual fundraising target of £10m for the first time but CEO Marc Etches said he wasn’t about to say no to the extra cash “at this uncertain time.”