GambleAware to close by March 2026 

GambleAware has announced that it has begun the process to manage its planned closure by 31 March 2026, due to the UK health ecosystem transitioning to a new statutory framework to combat gambling-related harms.

The decision was formally confirmed by Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees, who stated that the charity had fulfilled its duties in preparing the UK’s gambling support network to transition to a new public health-led system, managed by NHS commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.

“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,” Boucher said.

“We have advocated for this statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation.”

Since 2017, GambleAware has played a central role in building a harm-reduction system through its commissioning of prevention, treatment and support services, including the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN).

At the close of 2023, DCMS chose the NHS as the lead commissioner for gambling harm services, overseeing the statutory levy under a new framework developed in partnership with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) as commission of treatment support.

The decision was made to ensure that the statutory levy and the wider gambling harms support network would operate independently of influence from the gambling sector — a long-standing criticism directed at GambleAware throughout its existence, and one which the charity consistently refuted.

According to Boucher, GambleAware’s programmes have supported tens of thousands of people annually, while national prevention campaigns have provided tools and advice to millions.

While preparing to close, GambleAware will continue to honour its commissioning agreements through to April 2026 to ensure continuity of services and stability for beneficiaries.

“Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm. The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources will remain available to ensure support remains accessible throughout the transition,” Boucher noted.

“Since 2017, GambleAware has championed the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm. We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy. 

GambleAware’s closure was acknowledged by Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, who paid tribute to its legacy of expanding dedicated gambling harm support services within UK communities 

“GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years. As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority.”

Twycross reiterated that the government would ensure continuity and seek to expand efforts to treat and reduce gambling harms under the new statutory system, which will be funded through a mandatory levy on gambling operators.

“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.”

GambleAware traces its origins to 2002, established as the Gambling Industry Charitable Trust. The organisation later became known as the Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT), operating as the UK’s principal charity for the commissioning of research, education, and treatment (RET) related to gambling harms.

Following the enactment of the Gambling Act 2005, RGT was recognised as the primary distributor of voluntary contributions from gambling operators to support RET initiatives. While the Act included provisions for a statutory levy (under Section 123), it was not enforced at the time, and the funding framework remained voluntary with RGT, and later GambleAware, serving as the independent charity responsible for managing those funds in partnership with the Gambling Commission.

GambleAware has been led by just two Chief Executives: Marc Etches (2004–2020) and Zoë Osmond OBE (2021–2025). The leadership of the charity significantly expanded its network and stakeholders — strengthening partnerships across academia, research, community outreach, and lived experience to better address gambling harms.

The NGSN is supported by 22 national organisations, including the Football Supporters’ Association and Nationwide, working in coordination with GambleAware’s broader network of third-party organisations that deliver treatment, support, education, training, and research on gambling harms.

The news marks a significant turning point in UK gambling policy, with the statutory levy replacing the previous voluntary funding model and establishing a more centralised public health approach to tackling gambling harms. 

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