Problem Gambling Charity GambleAware Based in Great Britain to Shut Down in Early 2026
In a significant shift, Great Britain is introducing a new statutory levy system for funding gambling harm research, prevention, and treatment. This system, set to fully take effect by April 1, 2026, replaces the previous charity-based model operated by GambleAware [1][2][3].
Key Features of the New System
The new system introduces several key features to improve funding stability, transparency, and accountability:
- Statutory Levy: Mandatory payments from gambling operators based on their gross gambling yield, ranging from 0.1% to 1.1%, depending on the gambling type and associated risks. This levy is expected to raise around Β£100 million annually [1][4].
- Government Oversight: The UK government will directly manage funding and commissioning of harm prevention services through public health organizations instead of relying on voluntary donations to a charity. This move is aimed at eliminating dependence on industry benevolence and enhancing transparency and accountability [1][3].
- Three National Commissioners: Appointed commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment will coordinate efforts across the different countries within Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) [1][2].
- Public Health Model: The system adopts a public health-led approach to tackling gambling harm, aligning with how other public health issues are addressed [1][2].
- Transition and Closure of GambleAware: GambleAware will undergo a managed closure, ceasing operations by March 31, 2026, maintaining critical services and commitments until the transition completes to ensure continuity of support for people at risk [2][3].
- Allocation of Funds: Funds collected through the levy will be allocated to research, prevention campaigns, treatment services, and public health initiatives, such as those overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to ensure expertise and fairness in regional funding, including Walesβ share of around Β£5 million annually [4].
A New Approach to Funding Gambling Harm
This new statutory framework aims to provide a more consistent, transparent, and government-regulated approach to funding gambling harm prevention and treatment compared to the voluntary charity funding model previously in place under GambleAware [1][3].
GambleAware, a leading problem gambling charity in Great Britain, will close by March 31, 2026. The charity has expressed pride in its contribution to the implementation of the new government-run system. Legislation for a mandatory levy on gambling operators passed in February [5].
The National Gambling Support Network is among the commissioned partners of GambleAware, demonstrating the impact of the charity's efforts in supporting tens of thousands of people through its national campaigns and commissioned partners [6].
References
[1] Gambling Commission. (2021). Statutory levy for gambling harm funding. Retrieved from www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/news/2021/statutory-levy-for-gambling-harm-funding.aspx
[2] GambleAware. (2021). New statutory levy system to replace GambleAware. Retrieved from www.gambleaware.org/about-us/news/new-statutory-levy-system-replace-gambleaware
[3] Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. (2021). Statutory levy for gambling harm funding. Retrieved from www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-levy-for-gambling-harm-funding/statutory-levy-for-gambling-harm-funding
[4] GambleAware. (2021). Annual budget and funding. Retrieved from www.gambleaware.org/about-us/annual-budget-and-funding
[5] Parliament.uk. (2021). Gambling Act 2005 (Levy) Order 2021. Retrieved from www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2021/9780111185675/pdfs/ukdsi_9780111185675_en.pdf
[6] GambleAware. (2021). Our partners. Retrieved from www.gambleaware.org/about-us/our-partners
The gambling industry is transitioning from a charity-based funding model to a statutory levy system, which aims to provide a more consistent and accountable approach to funding gambling harm research, prevention, and treatment in Great Britain. This new system, led by the UK government, will levy a percentage from gambling operators' gross gambling yield, with mandatory payments ranging from 0.1% to 1.1% depending on the gambling type and associated risks. The funds raised will be allocated to research, prevention campaigns, treatment services, and public health initiatives. The system adopts a public health-led approach and has three national commissioners overseeing gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment in England, Scotland, and Wales. GambleAware, a leading problem gambling charity in Great Britain, will close by March 31, 2026. This new framework represents a significant shift in how the finance and banking-and-insurance sectors approach gambling harm, reflecting ongoing trends in policy-and-legislation and broader politics. The changes are covered extensively in general-news outlets, due to the potential impacts on lotteries, casino-and-gambling businesses, and the wider casino-games industry.
