GambleAware to Close as UK Moves to Statutory Gambling Levy System
The UK is set to dramatically change its approach to gambling harm with the introduction of a statutory levy, prompting the closure of the longstanding charity GambleAware by March 2026.
- The UK government has announced that GambleAware will close by March 31, 2026.
- A statutory levy on operators will replace the current voluntary contributions for Research, Education, and Treatment (RET) of gambling harms.
- New national commissioners for gambling harms will be appointed, and their responsibilities will be shifted to public bodies across the UK.
- GambleAware has expressed support for the changes, emphasising continuity and safety in the transition period.
- Government officials aim for a smooth transition to the new system to maintain support services for those impacted by gambling harm.
Since its inception, GambleAware has been at the forefront of efforts to mitigate gambling harm in the UK through Research, Education, and Treatment (RET). This, however, is set to change. The UK gaming sector is preparing to transition from the voluntary donations system to a statutory levy, signalling the end of an era for both GambleAware and the current framework addressing gambling-related issues.
The Shift from GambleAware to Statutory Levy
The upcoming statutory levy is a significant shift from the existing system, where operators made voluntary contributions towards RET initiatives. Critics have long argued that this model made charities like GambleAware dependent on the gambling industry’s goodwill, fostering a less-than-ideal relationship between the two. The statutory levy aims to address these concerns by mandating contributions from all online gambling operators, which is expected to significantly increase the pool of funds available for addressing gambling harms.
Implications for GambleAware and Future Plans
GambleAware’s managed closure comes after calls for a more systematic approach to funding RET initiatives. Andy Boucher, the chair of trustees at GambleAware, acknowledged that while the closure marks the end of an era, it aligns with the organisation’s advocacy for a statutory levy. Boucher assured that GambleAware remains committed to fulfilling its existing commissioning agreements and ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
The UK Government’s Role in the Transition
The government, under Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross, has expressed its commitment to managing a stable transition to the new levy system. Acknowledging GambleAware’s invaluable contributions, Twycross emphasised the goal of maintaining service provision and expanding efforts to address gambling harm under the new structure. The move to a statutory levy is part of a broader effort to tackle and treat harmful gambling more effectively across the UK.
In essence, this transition represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to managing gambling harm. By shifting responsibilities to public bodies and establishing a mandatory funding mechanism, the aim is to create a more robust and equitable system for preventing and treating gambling-related issues. As the UK forges ahead with this new direction, all eyes will be on the practical implementation of these changes and their impact on those affected by gambling harm.
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Peter Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief at GamblingAuthority. He has more than nine years of experience from the iGaming industry and is a valuable resource for everything related to online casinos.
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