GambleAware to close as statutory levy transition continues

GambleAware will halt all activities and transition its work to the British government by the end of March 2026, following the introduction of a new statutory levy earlier this year.

With this, in addition to the appointment of the three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment, GambleAware will step back from its role.

All work historically delivered by the charity will transition to the government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.

The statutory levy, announced in November 2024, supports the government’s plans to raise £100 million ($134 million) for gambling-related harm prevention via a percentage of industry stakeholder profits. It was first mooted during the Gambling Act white paper, which was published in April 2023.

Gambling minister Baroness Twycross then announced that it would be in place by 6 April of this year. As for rates, these will range from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gambling yield. This will depend on the sector, vertical and the type of gambling that businesses offer.

GambleAware supports new levy

GambleAware has been supportive of the levy since it was proposed within the government’s white paper. Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, reiterated support when confirming the organisation would cease operations by 31 March 2026.

“We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years,” he said.

“We 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.

“Recognising the change across the system, trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a managed closure.”

Boucher added GambleAware is committed to fulfilling existing commissioning agreements until the new system is in place by April 2026. The organisation has supported players and the wider industry since 2017.

“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,” he said. “The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for all.

“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.

The charity urged 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 their achievements in preventing gambling addiction and supporting players.

Government pays tribute to GambleAware

Baroness Twycross praised GambleAware for the work it has done over the past eight years.

“GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to commission and deliver effective services for people experiencing gambling-related harm,” 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.”