Britain's charity focusing on problem gambling, GambleAware, to shut down by early 2026.
New Government-Run Gambling Harm System to Replace GambleAware
Great Britain is set to introduce a new government-run gambling harm system, which will replace the current system operated by GambleAware. The charity, a leading problem gambling charity in the country, has announced it will close by March 31, 2026, as part of this transition.
The new system will be funded through a statutory levy on gambling operators, a change that aims to end the controversial financial relationship between the gambling industry and the problem gambling sector. This levy was legislated in February, and the first payments are due by October 1.
The levy requires operators to contribute a portion of their revenue to fund problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment (RET). The rate of the levy will be between 0.1% and 1.1% of gross gambling yield, and it is expected to raise up to £100 million annually for RET initiatives, substantially more than before.
During the transition period, GambleAware is receiving £11 million in levy funding. The charity has been a significant contributor to the implementation of a statutory system for gambling harms, and it will continue to operate as usual until its closure.
GambleAware's National Gambling Support Network is one of its commissioned partners. The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Fiona Twycross, thanked GambleAware's staff for their efforts in championing the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm since 2017.
Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees at GambleAware, stated in a press release on Friday that this new era recognises gambling harms alongside other public health issues. He expressed welcome for the change and the opportunity to continue supporting tens of thousands of people through its national campaigns and commissioned partners until the closure.
The new gambling harm system will be NHS-led, and it is expected to generate at least £100m per year. This change is part of the government's commitment to addressing gambling-related harm in Great Britain.
- The new gambling harm system, funded through a statutory levy on gambling operators, will focus on research, prevention, and treatment of medical-conditions related to gambling, contributing significantly to health-and-wellness initiatives within the industry.
- The transition from GambleAware to the new government-run gambling harm system marks a shift in the finance of problem gambling services, aiming to sever the controversial relationship between the gambling industry and problem gambling sector.
- The casino-and-gambling industry will contribute towards science and medical-conditions research as part of the new system, with the funding expected to support numerous health-and-wellness initiatives and contribute positively to the health of the nation.
