Gambling Awareness Trust: CEO Pam Bergin steps down as charity seeks new head

Pam Bergin has announced that she will exit her role as Gambling Awareness Trust (GAT) CEO in the coming weeks. The Irish charity has already begun hunting for a replacement to head the organisation – with a job opening for the position listed on its website.

Vastly experienced in the non-profit and voluntary sectors, Bergin joined the Gambling Awareness Trust during its debut year in 2019. Her familiarity with charitable child, adult and family resources played a major factor in her hiring – undertaking crucial projects with the Portlaoise Family Resource Center and Laois County Childcare Committee prior to joining the GAT, among others.

As Gambling Awareness Trust lead, Pam Bergin oversaw all gambling help operations offered by the charity. This includes services for problem gambling prevention, online and in-person counselling, family-oriented assistance, as well as self-help tools. 

Bergin led the company to develop Ireland’s National Problem Gambling Support Service. Formed as part of a collaboration between the Gambling Awareness Trust and the Family Resource Centre National Forum, this service aims to establish 20 professional counselling centres for problem gambling nationwide.

Moreover, one of the most impactful gambling bills in Ireland’s history — the Gambling Regulation Bill — was installed while Bergin operated as Gambling Awareness Trust CEO. This motion introduced a steady framework for healthy gambling by forming the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and many vital measures have since been signed into law. 

Key regulatory legislation has since banned gambling advertising between 5:30am to 9:00pm, created a National Gambling Exclusion Register and developed a social impact fund to invest in resources and raise awareness for problem gambling. 

Bergin’s move to exit the Gambling Awareness Trust follows five influential years at the helm of the charity. The soon-to-be-former CEO announced her departure via a LinkedIn post, saying: 

“After five thoroughly enjoyable years I will be leaving the Gambling Awareness Trust in a few weeks time. It’s been a fantastic experience. I still remember the excitement & trepidation I felt as I embarked on the role of CEO in 2019 tasked with addressing an area that had been totally overlooked in our society for so long. There’s been highs & lows & lots of learning! All invaluable insights along the way that I will remain grateful for.”

She also discussed the strong relationships built during her time at Ireland’s Gambling Awareness Trust. Continuing her open letter, Bergin said: “I’ve met some of the most amazing people, those in active gambling addiction, those in recovery, family members who were kind enough to share their experiences with me in an effort to help others. So many people who genuinely care & are eager to provide support & services across the country collaborated with me to make incredible things happen. I’m truly grateful to have worked with you all.”

“I’m leaving with the knowledge that thousands of people have been supported through the wide range of services we established, all of whom continue to respond to the growing need in our communities with the highest standards of care. That’s a good feeling.”

Pam Bergin’s next role is yet to be announced. 

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