GambleAware is set to wind down all operations and hand over its responsibilities to the British government by the end of March 2026.
This transition follows the implementation of a new statutory levy introduced earlier this year.
Alongside the appointment of three new commissioners dedicated to tackling gambling harms through research, prevention, and treatment, GambleAware will fully withdraw from its role. Its initiatives across England, Scotland, and Wales will be assumed by government bodies and the newly appointed commissioners.
The statutory levy, outlined in the April 2023 Gambling Act white paper and formally announced in November 2024, is designed to raise £100 million ($134 million) by collecting a portion of industry profits. Levy rates will vary between 0.1% and 1.1% of gross gambling yield, depending on the specific sector and type of gambling service provided.
GambleAware has consistently backed the introduction of this levy. Chair of trustees Andy Boucher reaffirmed that support when confirming the charity’s closure, set for 31 March 2026.
Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, mentioned:
We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years.
We are proud of our contribution to its implementation. Alongside this, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activity has had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and our commissioned partners, including the National Gambling Support Network.
Recognising the change across the system, trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a managed closure.
Boucher emphasized that GambleAware will continue to honor all current commissioning agreements until the new framework takes effect in April 2026. Since 2017, the organization has played a key role in supporting both players and the broader gambling industry.
Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, added:
Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over.
The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for all.
Since 2017, GambleAware has championed the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm. We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy.
The charity called on NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, as well as the relevant authorities in Scotland and Wales, to continue and expand upon the progress made in preventing gambling addiction and providing support to players.
