The United Kingdom is shifting towards a model of responsible gambling and harm prevention that will be funded directly by the industry through a mandatory payment based on operators‘ gross gambling yield (GGY), and ranging from 0.1% to 1.1%, depending on the case.
New system to see GambleAware pass the reins to the government
The measure has been long and hotly debated, with industry insiders opposing this way of funding gambling harm, arguing instead that the industry was contributing sufficiently voluntarily to sustain treatment, research, and harm prevention.
However, this argument has fallen flat with gambling hawks who have argued that the people supposed to fight gambling-related harm were financially beholden to the gambling industry, which always put them at a disadvantage.
No more. Starting from April 2026, the new statutory levy will be imposed, with GambleAware, the charity largely responsible for raising and allocating funds to treatment, research, and harm-prevention, also shutting down its operations that month, or sooner.
The introduction of the new Statutory Levy also comes with the appointment of new heads of gambling harm research, treatment, and prevention, with each person responsible for a unique pillar of player protection and strengthening safeguards.
In a statement, Andy Boucher, GambleAware Chair of Trustees, has hailed the significant milestone, arguing that it has long been the charity’s goal to bring things to this outcome:
"We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation."
Boucher also used the opportunity to highlight GambleAware’s achievement in protecting thousands of people over the years, both through national campaigns as well as commissioned partners, such as the National Gambling Support Network.
Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research at Casino Guru, had this to add: "This transition from GambleAware’s voluntary funding model to a mandated levy is not just a policy change. It’s a potential turning point in how we tackle gambling harm. What intrigues me most is how the statutory levy could give us a clearer, more stable funding path. But what truly matters is whether those new resources make a real difference once they reach the front lines of prevention, treatment, and research."
The levy itself is divided into several tranches. The first, and biggest one, of 50% is allocated to NHS England as well as its counterparts in Scotland and Wales. This is the part that will go into the treatment network, which will seek to offer support to individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.
Bankrolling research, harm-prevention, and treatment in one stride
Another sizeable bulk, or 30%, will be funneled into gambling harm and addiction prevention, with the last 20% earmarked for research and developing evidence-based and bespoke approaches designed to help minimize harm and strengthen best practices.
Boucher thanked for the opportunity to have contributed to the realization of this long-term goal:
"We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy.
On behalf of the entire board of trustees, I would like to also recognise the unwavering commitment and drive of the GambleAware staff, leadership team and Lived Experience Council."
GambleAware believes that the new system would be able to build and expand on the progress achieved so far, turning a new page in player-protection in the United Kingdom and beyond.
