GambleAware has announced the ‘managed closure’ of its services following the implementation of the UK’s statutory levy.
The charity has been acting as the commissioner of gambling harm treatment since its foundation, however, it will undertake a shutdown of its operations by the end of March 2026.
Following changes made by the government, operators in the UK are now required to contribute to a statutory levy to support research, education and treatment (RET), with contributions determined by companies’ gross gambling yield.
As a result, the NHS will now take over from third sector organisations, such as GambleAware, as the main administrator of the treatment and prevention of gambling harms.
Andy Boucher, Chair of trustees, GambleAware, commented: “The introduction of the new statutory levy and the appointment of the three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment means that, as expected, the work historically delivered by GambleAware will now transition to the UK government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.
“We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation. Alongside this, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activity has had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and our commissioned partners, including the National Gambling Support Network.
Building on current progress
Whilst Boucher welcomed the new era, he urged NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to ‘build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward’.
Reacting to the news, the Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross, who is being charged with leading this new approach to addressing gambling harms, praised the work of GambleAware, and the wider third sector, and promised that the new levy will build on the work of such organisations.
She said: “As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision. The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.
“I want to thank GambleAware and all their staff for their efforts to support those in need across our country.”
Up to £100m per year is expected to be raised by the new levy. 20% of which will go to the Research Commissioner, UK Research and Innovation, to research to establish a bespoke Research Programme on Gambling, as well as the UKGC, to direct further research in line with licensing objectives.
The Prevention Commissioner, OHID, will receive 30% of the levy funding. OHID will develop a comprehensive approach to prevention and early intervention.
Meanwhile, 50% of the levy funding will go to the Treatment Commissioner, NHS England and relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales, who will commission treatment and support services in collaboration with the third sector.
Exodus of talent
Although GambleAware appears positive about the future of gambling harm treatment in the UK, others have lamented the charity’s closure.
Jordan Lea, Founder of DealMeOut, described it is ‘a tragedy’ that GambleAware is closing its doors.
Reacting to news on LinkedIn, he said: “Gambleaware are the most recognisable, and respected brands to the population, and hold vast specialised expertise in research, evaluation and commissioning.
“It is an aberration that the implementation of the Statutory levy is causing so many job losses, creating an exodus of talent from our sector.”