GambleAware Faces Closure after Government Takeover of Gambling Harm Services

The Government has introduced a statutory levy to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms. Alongside this, three national commissioners have been appointed, allowing GambleAware’s work to shift to public bodies across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees, welcomed the news. In a recent statement on the future of GambleAware, he said:

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

“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.”

GambleAware will also stick to fulfilling its current responsibilities until the changes are set in stone in April 2026. Historically, the organisation has assisted thousands of citizens across the United Kingdom who have suffered from problems relating to gambling, and they have spread awareness of the importance of responsible gambling.

Boucher continued saying,

“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.”

Baroness Twycross, the Gambling Minister, has noted the importance of GambleAware’s continued work following the completion of the transition and highlighted what the new levy will achieve.

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.”

During the transition, GambleAware’s support resources and its online presence will stay intact until April 2026. The organisation has credited its staff members for exceptional work in providing effective assistance to gamblers across the country.

Some have criticised the closure of GambleAware, specifically Jordan Lea, the CEO of Deal Me Out, a charitable organisation set up to spread awareness and educate those about gambling-related harm.

Lea 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 was predictable. There have been hundreds of job losses in the last 12 months, with more closures to come as a result of a mismanaged implementation of Government policy.

It will be interesting to see how these changes will shape the future of the gambling industry in the United Kingdom and if the new levy can build on the support that was being provided by GambleAware.