The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has urged the UK’s new gambling harm treatment commissioners to ensure continuity as the transition to a statutory levy progresses.
Charities across the National Gambling Support Network were praised for their work in providing ‘safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led’ treatment.
However, the CQC also acknowledged concerns raised by GambleAware that the ongoing quality of care may be affected as the commissioning of services shifts to the NHS under a new funding model.
The report stated: “We would urge commissioners to review the findings of this report to make sure services continue to provide care in a similar way so that people experiencing gambling harms still receive the care and support they need, and that there is ongoing oversight and assessment of the quality of services.”
The CQC was asked to undertake the review by the Gambling Commission and GambleAware, and the inspections took place between May 2025 and March 2026.
The 14 charities under review were the EPIC Restart Foundation, ARA Recovery For All, NECA, Gordon Moody, Beacon Counselling Trust, Primary Care Gambling Service, Aquarius, GamCare, GamCare Helpline, Adferiad, RCA Trust (Scotland), Betknowmore UK, Breakeven and Reframe Coaching.
Findings detailed that people experiencing gambling harm ‘were able to access the services when they needed them, and received person-centred treatment and support that met their needs’.
Longheld concerns
The CQC is just the latest organisation to highlight worries that the funding transition will stall progress in treatment as the NHS becomes the main administrator of treatment, and services are split across England, Scotland and Wales.
GambleAware stated in its legacy report ahead of closure on 31 March: “There is a concern that differences in local capacity could mean that the quality of services varies from place to place. Without deliberate action, these risks could erode progress made in prevention, early intervention, and equity of response.”
Already, the Welsh Government has awarded the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board £1.3m in funding to run a gambling helpline for problem gamblers in Wales.
However, this will sit alongside the more familiar National Gambling Helpline run by GamCare, raising concerns of confusion for players seeking help.
GamCare confirmed that it has reached out to the Welsh Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, about the decision and to better understand how the relationship between the two services will work to provide help for people in need.
The charity’s CEO, Victoria Corbishley, said: “The shared aim must be to minimise any confusion for those reaching out in moments of vulnerability. Our focus remains firmly on the people we serve.”
Independence vote
Organisations like GamCare are in the process of finding out the level of funding they will receive from the £120m generated in the first year of the statutory levy – which derives income from a percentage of the gross gaming yield generated by UK licensed operators.
However, uncertainty over funding for established charities has been exacerbated by whispers that organisations with prior links to the industry would not be considered.
This stance appears to be softening, however, according to Duncan Garvie, the Founder of BetBlocker.
Speaking at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, he said: “Pragmatically, there was always going to be some level of disruption. What I hope to see if a softening of positions and to reach a place where all stakeholders can be included in the conversation without the stigmatisation.”
As part of the review into third sector charities, GamCare revealed that the CQC deemed there was no evidence that the support and treatment it provided was influenced by the gambling industry.
Curbishley welcomed the comment and described being deemed independent as ‘fundamental to the trust people place in us’.
“This independent assessment is important assurance for commissioners, partners, and above all for the people who rely on our services,” she added.
