UK Charity GambleAware Set to Shut Down in the Face of New Levies

As the UK introduces a mandatory gambling levy, GambleAware plans to shut down and hand over the reins of protecting the public from gambling harm to the NHS.

The UK’s leading gambling harm prevention charity, GambleAware, has announced that it will begin shutting down operations following the introduction of a new mandatory gambling levy. This move will see its long-standing responsibilities transferred to the NHS and public sector, in what has been said to be a historic shift in how the UK and the UK Gambling Commission handle gambling-related harm.

This decision follows years of advocacy by GambleAware for a statutory funding model. The government recently approved a tiered levy system, and the NHS will take the lead in gambling harm education, prevention and treatment.

This will be available to those affected across England, Scotland and Wales, effectively replacing the voluntary funding system that previously sustained GambleAware’s efforts.

NHS prepares to expand gambling harm services

The news come shortly after GambleAware announced the launch of a new support tool for gambling harm. The new system is designed to fund the NHS-led gambling harm services with the aim of replacing any voluntary donations with a mandatory contribution from all licensed operators, regardless of size or profits.

As the shutdown of GambleAware begins, the NHS is preparing to scale up its gambling harm services. The NHS regional clinics will now offer face-to-face counselling and other digital tools with the aim to improve access for those at risk and for younger players.

The NHS welcomed the change, but some health experts are concerned about the infrastructure, personnel and training to meet the rising demand.

Farewell to GambleAware

Since 2009, GambleAware has been at the centre of the UK’s safer gambling landscape. GambleAware led public education campaigns on how to play responsibly, did research, and funded treatment services through the National Gambling Support Network.

Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees at GambleAware, said: “We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and 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.”

GambleAware will work with the government and others involved to ensure a smooth transition and also to maintain the continuity of care for individuals currently receiving support.

Mandatory gambling levy set to reshape UK casino market

Smaller online gambling operators and independent UK casinos are implementing measures to address the upcoming financial pressure that the levy will bring. The government also appointed three national commissioners for gambling harm, research, prevention and treatment.

The levy supports the government's plans to raise $134 million for gambling-related harm prevention. It was first mooted during the Gambling Act white paper, which was published in April 2023. While the final levy rates are still being confirmed, estimates suggest a 0.1% - 1.1% charge on GGY.

Trade associations like the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have called for a tiered levy model that considers operator size. They mentioned that a blanket charge could damage the market diversity, while doing little to tackle illegal or unlicensed gambling sites.

The Gambling Commission will start collecting the first payments on 1 October 2025.

Industry response to the GambleAware transition

There are operators that support better harm reduction efforts, but the reaction to the new levy remains mixed. Large UK casinos have publicly welcomed the reform, citing long-standing calls for consistent, accountable funding.

Experts said that transparency, a fair levy structure and consistent enforcement will be important to achieve success. The closure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new approach to gambling regulation and harm prevention in the UK that is led by the public sector.

The responsibility now shifts to the NHS and the Gambling Commission and all will expect from them to deliver on the promise of reducing gambling-related harm.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: August 4, 2025

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UK charity GambleAware set to shut down in the face of new levies

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