UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British charities warn that gambling addicts may lose essential support as new levy delays put clinics and treatment services at risk of disruption.
As reported by The Guardian, organisations have warned that funding reforms could cause gambling addicts to lose access to “life-saving” support unless the government steps in amid a cash shortfall.
Previously, funding for problem gambling research and treatment came from voluntary contributions from casinos and bookmakers, accounting for about 0.1% of their revenue.
What impact will funding changes have on gambling clinics?
New rules introduced by the previous Tory government and implemented by Labour require the £12.5bn gambling industry to contribute up to 1.1% of revenue, aiming to raise £100m annually.
Under the new system, the NHS will oversee the distribution of funds to clinics and organisations treating addicts, taking over service commissioning from GambleAware.
According to two leading UK charities, GamCare, which manages the National Gambling Helpline, and Gordon Moody, which focuses on addiction counselling and residential programmes, have reported that the new levy system under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has suffered delays, potentially impacting services for gambling addicts.
How are UK charities responding to funding uncertainty in gambling support?
UK charities warn many organisations, such as addiction clinics and support groups, could face disruption in service delivery without temporary government funding. They attributed the uncertainty to unclear guidance from the government and commissioning bodies, including the NHS, regarding expectations for securing financing.
Victoria Corbishley, CEO of GamCare, which directs helpline callers to over 30 partner organisations, said,
“The uncertainty is causing challenges. We don’t know what commissioners want from us from April onwards. It runs the risk of potential disruption to some of the services, particularly smaller organisations that we rely on.”
She stated,
“We need to know that the organisations we refer on to have funding secure and will be in a position to provide support, or who do we signpost to?”
Ms Corbishley stressed the need for a short-term financial boost to maintain continuity in addiction treatment services.
She added,
“We need to make sure there’s clarity on commissioning intentions as soon as possible. If that’s going to come later, we may need interim funding arrangements to make sure there is no disruption to services.”
Each year, Gordon Moody treats around 2,000 individuals through long-term residential programmes, providing free services to addicts with funding from the gambling levy.
Alex, 41, a former teacher, said Gordon Moody’s treatment transformed his life after addiction pushed him to the brink of suicide.
He added,
“I would not be here if it wasn’t for Gordon Moody, there is no other service like it. I believe suicide rates would go up [if funding is disrupted].”
A charity spokesperson said the funding difficulties were partly caused by sudden changes to the rules for commissioned treatment services, which they described as “shifting the goalposts.”
The spokesperson said,
“This approach is leaving longstanding, expert and proven organisations like Gordon Moody uncertain about their future beyond March 2026, and is already impacting on frontline services and the people with the most severe gambling harms.”
They added, “
We are calling on the government to approve interim funding for charities delivering essential treatment and prevention activities for the next 12 months and to initiate a comprehensive evaluation of all treatment providers.”
How is the Government responding to delays in the new gambling levy system?
A government spokesperson said,
“A smooth transition to the new levy system is vital, which is why we are working with GambleAware to ensure people can continue to access treatment while the new system is put in place.”
How did the NHS plan to tackle gambling harm?
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has become the first Integrated Care Board in England to sign the Workplace Charter to Reduce Gambling Harms. The move underscores the organisation’s focus on staff wellbeing.
The move follows a partnership with Beacon Counselling Trust, aimed at raising awareness of gambling harms and providing dedicated support for employees.
Mike Gibney, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Chief People Officer, said,
“We recognise that gambling harm can have a serious impact on individuals and their families. This Charter reinforces our commitment to creating a healthy, supportive workplace where staff feel safe and able to access the help they need.”
How can people access support for gambling and mental health?
UK residents struggling with gambling can turn to the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic at 020 7381 7722 or contact GamCare at 0808 8020 133 for support.
In the United States, the National Council on Problem Gambling is available at 800-GAMBLER or by texting 800GAM. Australians can access help through Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 or call the National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007.