United Kingdom Allocates £11M to GambleAware Through Statutory levy Implementation
The UK government has taken a significant step in tackling problem gambling by introducing a statutory levy on gambling operators. This new funding mechanism, set to come into force on April 6, 2025, aims to establish a reliable, mandatory source of income dedicated to research, prevention, and treatment (RET) of gambling-related issues[1][2].
The levy, replacing the previous voluntary contribution system, marks a generational shift in the approach to addressing gambling-related harms. Key beneficiaries of this change are expected to be organisations such as GambleAware, which stand to receive a maximum of £11 million from the new levy[1].
The levy's primary objectives include ensuring guaranteed funding for RET services, supporting organisations like GambleAware, enhancing consumer protection and public health, improving governance and distribution, and providing a more sustainable funding framework[1][2].
The transition funding for GambleAware will ensure no disruption to the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) and continued access to treatment. This one-time funding, in addition to the annual £5 million allocation for Wales, is intended to provide stability during the transition from voluntary donations to the new levy system[1].
The levy is expected to generate up to £100 million a year for RET initiatives. Operators, including smaller companies, are preparing to make their first payments under the new levy by October 1. The levy is aimed at funding problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment, with the ultimate goal of reducing the prevalence and impact of problem gambling across the UK population[1].
The government will review the effectiveness of the new RET funding framework in 2030. The research element of the RET funding will be overseen by the UKRI in partnership with Welsh Government officials and Public Health Wales[2]. The levy aims to end the controversial relationship between the RET sector and the gambling industry by establishing a more transparent and accountable funding system.
In summary, the statutory levy is designed to create a stronger, more sustainable funding framework to tackle gambling harms in the UK, particularly focusing on problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment, and will formalize support to key agencies such as GambleAware[1][2].
[1] UK Government Press Release, "Statutory Gambling Levy to Boost Funding for Problem Gambling Services," [date] [2] UK Government Consultation Document, "Statutory Gambling Levy: Consultation on Structure and Governance," [date]
The statutory levy on the casino-and-gambling industry, due to commence on April 6, 2025, aims to foster a transparent and accountable funding system for problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment, bridging the gap between the gambling industry and politics in the UK. This new funding mechanism, replacing the previous voluntary contribution system, is expected to generate up to £100 million annually for RET initiatives, thereby providing a more substantial support to organizations like GambleAware, amounting to a maximum of £11 million.[1][2]
