GambleAware will cease all activities and transfer its work to the UK government by the end of March 2026. This, following the introduction of a new statutory tax earlier this year.
With this, in addition to the appointment of three new commissioners for research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm, GambleAware will step down from its role.
All the work historically carried out by the charity will be transferred to the government and new commissioners in England, Scotland and Wales.
The statutory levy, announced in November 2024, supports the government’s plans to raise £100 million (US$134 million) for the prevention of gambling-related harms through a percentage of profits from industry stakeholders. The measure was first discussed during the Gambling Bill report, published in April 2023.
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross announced that the measure would come into effect on April 6th of this year. Fees will range from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gaming revenue. This will depend on the sector, vertical, and type of game offered by the companies.
Institution is in favor of the new tax
GambleAware has supported the tax since its proposal in the government’s official report. Andy Boucher, GambleAware’s chairman, reiterated this position by confirming that the organization would cease operations on March 31, 2026.
“We have been advocating for the introduction of a statutory system for many years. We are proud of our contribution to its implementation,” he said.
“In addition, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activities have had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and those of our partners, including the National Gambling Support Network.”
“Recognizing the system-wide change, the trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a controlled closure,” it added.
Work carried out in the last decade
Boucher added that GambleAware is committed to fulfilling existing commission agreements. This will continue until the new system is operational in April 2026. The organization has been supporting players and the industry in general since 2017.
“Our top priority remains keeping people safe from gambling harm and ensuring stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as new commissioners take over. The GambleAware website and essential prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for everyone.”
Since 2017, GambleAware has been advocating for the development of a legal, public health-focused system to address gambling-related harms. We welcome this new era in which gambling-related harms are recognized, along with other public health issues, and funded through a statutory levy.
The charity has called on NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, and relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales to build on its achievements in preventing gambling addiction and supporting gamblers.
Government pays tribute to GambleAware
Baroness Twycross praised GambleAware for the work it has done over the past eight years.
“GambleAware and other third sector companies, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to recruit and provide effective services to people experiencing gambling-related harm,” she said.
“With the new gambling tax system coming into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is a top priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service delivery.”
“The new fee system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to better understand, combat and treat harmful gambling,” he concluded.
