New Gambling Levy Transition Fund opens for struggling support groups
A new support fund has opened for organisations affected by changes in gambling harm funding. The Gambling Levy Transition Fund will run from April 1 to June 30, 2026. It targets groups that previously received voluntary funding but lost out under the new statutory levy system.
The scheme is managed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis, with funds released after the funding period ends on June 30. Organisations can apply even if they are still awaiting a final decision on treatment funding.
To qualify, applicants must have provided services in England by March 2026. They must also have had a rejected funding application under the new levy. Only those who received first-time funding between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026, will be considered. Importantly, the DCMS will not accept applications from groups that already secured funding elsewhere. Claims submitted after April 30 can still receive retroactive payments. The deadline for applications is the end of April, giving organisations a short window to apply.
The fund aims to bridge the gap for groups hit by funding cuts under the statutory levy. Successful applicants will receive payments by June 30. The DCMS has not disclosed how many organisations may be eligible or how much each could receive.
