UPDATE: The UK government has announced the impending closure of GambleAware as it transitions to a statutory gambling levy system, set to take effect on March 31, 2026. This major shift marks the end of an era for the British gaming sector and aims to enhance support for gambling harm prevention.
In a significant move, the government confirmed that GambleAware will begin a managed closure, with responsibilities shifting to newly appointed public bodies in England, Scotland, and Wales. The transition follows years of criticism regarding the voluntary donations system, where operators contributed to gambling harm research, education, and treatment (RET) initiatives at their discretion.
Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, emphasized the importance of a smooth transition to ensure continued access to vital support services for those affected by gambling addiction. “Managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority,” she stated, assuring the public that the new levy system will build on existing successes to better address gambling-related harms.
The new statutory system aims to compel all operators to contribute, significantly increasing funding for RET initiatives, a move welcomed by industry advocates. Until now, the voluntary system left charities dependent on the goodwill of operators, with some contributing minimally.
Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, acknowledged the shift as a long-awaited change. “We remain committed to fulfilling existing commissioning agreements until the new system is in place,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s ongoing dedication to preventing gambling harm. Boucher expressed gratitude towards the staff and stakeholders who have tirelessly worked to mitigate gambling addiction in the UK.
The closure of GambleAware comes on the heels of a recent decision by lawmakers to allocate £11 million to the organization to bolster its efforts against gambling harm, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions in this area.
Next Steps: As the UK prepares for this transition, the government will appoint three new national commissioners to oversee gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming changes and their implications for gambling support services.
This transformative shift in the UK’s approach to gambling harm underscores a growing recognition of the need for robust and reliable support systems. As the statutory levy system gears up, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring a stable framework for future initiatives against gambling-related issues.