GambleAware to Shutter in 2026 as UK Gov. Takes Over Gambling Harm Prevention

It will be the end of an era for UK charity GambleAware on March 31, 2026, as gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment will be overseen by governmental bodies across England, Scotland, and Wales.

GambleAware, created in 2017, has been instrumental in helping thousands of people deal with gambling harms across the UK. It notably commissions the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which provides confidential treatment and support for various gambling-related issues across Great Britain. They support both individuals experiencing gambling harms and those whose lives are impacted by someone else’s problem gambling. The National Gambling Helpline takes approximately 42,000 calls a year, according to GambleAware. 

Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, said: “The charity will continue to fulfill its existing commissioning responsibilities until the new system is fully in place in April 2026.”

“Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over.”

New Statutory System Features Levy, Three National Commissioners

The UK government’s creation of a statutory levy to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms—along with the appointment of three new national commissioners—signals a significant shift in how such services are delivered. Under the new system, responsibility for commissioning and oversight will transfer from GambleAware to public health bodies in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The levy aims to generate £100M annually to fund prevention initiatives for gambling harms. Funds will be generated from a percentage of industry stakeholder profits. Rates will vary from 0.1% to 1.1% of the gross gambling yield, depending on the type of gambling offered, as well as associated sector risks and operational costs. UK operators must make their first statutory levy payment by October 1.

GambleAware, which has long advocated for a statutory, public health-led approach, welcomed the transition as a major milestone in the evolution of gambling harm reduction in the UK.

Boucher said: “We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation.”

“As we enter the final phase of our commissioning work, we urge NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 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.”

GambleAware’s Closure Draws Criticism from Industry Insider

The decision to close GambleAware didn’t sit well with everyone in the gambling harms sector.

Jordan Lea, CEO and founder of gambling-related harms awareness and education charity Deal Me Out, said the “cessation of the United Kingdom’s most recognisable and trusted gambling harm charity is a stain on the implementation of the statutory levy.”

“Sadly, the announcement from GambleAware today was predictable, hundreds of job losses in the last 12 months, with more closures to come as a result of a mismanaged implementation of government policy. My thoughts are with the team at GambleAware, who have acted with integrity throughout the whole process.”

Earlier this month GambleAware launched a new self-help app for problem gamblers in the UK.