By 2026, the UK Government to assume oversight responsibilities from GambleAware, a charity dedicated to addressing gambling harm.
A New Era for Gambling Regulation in the UK: The Implementation of the Statutory Levy and the Closure of GambleAware
The UK gambling sector is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the introduction of a statutory levy on the industry and the eventual closure of GambleAware. This change, which has been in the works since the April 2023 Gambling Act white paper, is designed to provide a more robust funding stream for gambling harm prevention and treatment services.
Starting from April 6, 2025, the statutory levy, administered by the Gambling Commission under government strategy, has replaced the previous voluntary contribution system from gambling operators. The first payment deadline for operators to submit levy funds was set for October 1, 2025.
The new levy, expected to generate around £100 million per year, is a compulsory payment that will be directly allocated to research, harm prevention, and treatment services. This funding will be managed by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, among other entities.
GambleAware, which historically coordinated these efforts as a charity funded by voluntary contributions, is set to close as its functions are integrated under direct government control. This shift likely aims to ensure more accountability and improved alignment with public health goals through statutory rather than voluntary funding.
GambleAware's activities have supported tens of thousands of people over the years, through national campaigns and commissioned partners like the National Gambling Support Network. The managed closure of GambleAware is a decision made by its trustees, acknowledging the impact of the charity's activities.
Three new commissioners have been appointed to tackle gambling harms through research, prevention, and treatment. Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, has advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years. He has reaffirmed GambleAware's support for the introduction of this levy.
GambleAware is scheduled to wind down all operations by the end of March 2026. The confirmation of GambleAware's closure was set in motion following the implementation of the statutory levy and the government takeover of its responsibilities.
In summary, the 2025 statutory levy marks a significant regulatory shift in the UK gambling sector, creating a mandatory funding stream for harm prevention and treatment and leading to the closure of GambleAware as government agencies take over these functions. This change is expected to bring about improved accountability and alignment with public health goals in the fight against gambling harms.
[1] Gambling Commission. (2023). Statutory Levy on the UK Gambling Industry. Retrieved from https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-the-public/about-us/statutory-levy-on-the-uk-gambling-industry.aspx
[2] HM Treasury. (2023). Gambling Act 2023: Statutory Levy. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gambling-act-2023-statutory-levy/gambling-act-2023-statutory-levy
[3] Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. (2023). Gambling Act 2023: Statutory Levy. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gambling-act-2023-statutory-levy/gambling-act-2023-statutory-levy
[4] GambleAware. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.gambleaware.org/about-us
[5] GambleAware. (2025). Managed Closure. Retrieved from https://www.gambleaware.org/managed-closure
- The statutory levy on the UK gambling industry, implemented by the Gambling Commission under government strategy, marks a significant shift in the finance of gambling harm prevention and treatment services from voluntary contributions to a compulsory payment.
- The new funding stream from the statutory levy on the casino-and-gambling business is expected to generate approximately £100 million per year, which will be directed towards research, prevention, and treatment services for gambling-related harm.
- The closure of GambleAware, a charity that has been instrumental in supporting individuals affected by gambling harm, is a direct result of the implementation of the statutory levy and the gambling trends toward more government involvement and accountability in the sector.
