GambleAware has called on the government to quell the concerns of stakeholders and ensure that the NHS steps up as the new treatment commissioner for gambling harms in the UK.
This sentiment was shared through a legacy report released ahead of the closure of the organisation on 31 March following the implementation of a statutory levy for the research, education and treatment of gambling harms.
The report states: “As the system transitions, concerns about the potential loss of institutional knowledge and sectoral progress are rising. Alongside this, 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.”
GambleAware announced last July that it would be working towards a managed closure by March as part of the shift in funding, which will see UK operators contribute a percentage of their gross gambling yield to support addressing gambling harms.
The NHS will take over from the third sector as the main administrator of the treatment of gambling harms, with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) now working as the Prevention Commissioner.
GambleAware laid out in its legacy report concerns from stakeholders regarding the fragmented nature of this new approach, stating that this risks ‘losing the joined-up approach built over 20+ years under GambleAware’s leadership, and the valuable knowledge and collaboration networks that have been established’.
The roadmap of funding remains unclear for the majority of third sector organisations and has led to concerns regarding the future of services such as the National Gambling Helpline.
Run by GamCare and largely funded by contributions from GambleAware, the long-term future of the service relies on GamCare receiving adequate funding from the NHS.
The lack of clarity for the helpline has been described as “mystifying” by Jordan Lea, the Founder of Deal Me Out.
Lea told iGaming Expert: “Gamcare and its helpline are imperative to any new funding model. Gambling consumers need continuity, and a trusted, familiar face that only Gamcare can provide on the helpline.
“Without it, thousands of people would fall through the cracks, not knowing where to turn. It takes time to build trust.”
Meanwhile, Shadow Gambling Minister Louis French MP has called on the government to “get their act together” and find a “real, working solution” for the long-term funding of gambling charities.
GambleAware celebrates progress
Throughout the legacy report, produced by GambleAware in partnership with New Philanthropy Capital, GambleAware celebrated the progress made by the charity since its foundation in 2002.
The report said: “When GambleAware assumed its role, it entered a space with no statutory architecture and no central coordination. Gambling harm services were delivered primarily by charities, but in isolated pockets, shaped by limited and ad hoc funding, with inconsistent availability and limited coordination between providers.
“As the sector shifts, GambleAware’s legacy is clear: it built a sector rooted in collaboration, expertise, and innovation. GambleAware helped transform Great Britain’s response to gambling harms from a fragmented, treatment-focused landscape to a coordinated system integrating prevention, early intervention, and treatment, supported by robust evidence and lived experience leadership.
In particular, the organisation noted the formation of the National Gambling Support Network, which it says has supported over 110,000 people across Great Britain since it was introduced in April 2023.
As part of the transition period, GambleAware confirmed that it has deployed an ‘Asset Transfer Plan’ and ‘structured legacy programme’ to ensure that assets, knowledge, data and learnings are shared.
OHID has also confirmed that it will operate the GambleAware website for a further year in a bid to make sure that support for problem gambling continues while the transition commences.
“GambleAware has consistently sought to align transition planning, advocate for clarity on timelines and funding, highlight areas of risk and interdependency, and reduce uncertainty for providers, ultimately preparing the sector for what comes next,” the report added.
“[The organisation’s] story offers a powerful blueprint for system building in complex, contested spaces: align ambition with values, commission strategically and convene diverse actors around shared evidence and purpose. If future commissioners adopt these principles, the gambling harms system can not only sustain but also strengthen the progress made, delivering equitable, high-quality support for people and communities facing gambling harm across Great Britain.”
