Statutory levy nearing, signifying the imminent closure of GambleAware
Starting April 6, 2025, the gambling industry in the UK will contribute between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY) to a new statutory levy, which will fund gambling harm research, prevention, and treatment (RET) initiatives[1][5]. This change replaces the previous voluntary contributions from operators.
Impact on GambleAware and Funding
GambleAware, a key organization for tackling gambling harms, is set to receive up to £11 million annually from this levy to support its work on problem gambling prevention and treatment[5]. The total levy is expected to raise around £100 million annually across the UK, which is significantly higher than previous voluntary contributions and is intended to provide more stable, independent funding for RET efforts[3][5].
The levy funds will be allocated to a broad range of activities: research, harm prevention, treatment, and associated services. For example, Wales expects to receive approximately £5 million annually from this levy dedicated to reducing gambling-related harms[3]. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will oversee approximately £20 million per year of the research funding across Great Britain to ensure equitable representation and coordination of research[3].
Purpose and Broader Context
This statutory levy aims to separate the funding for gambling harm initiatives from voluntary donations to remove conflicts of interest and ensure sustainable, independent funding[3][5]. The change follows concerns that voluntary contributions were insufficient and dependent on the goodwill of operators, some of whom argued the levy would disproportionally affect smaller companies[5].
The levy is part of wider gambling reforms in the UK, including tax increases on betting to raise more public revenue and changes to gambling regulation focused on harm reduction[1].
New Heads for Gambling Harm Research, Treatment, and Prevention
The new system will appoint new heads for gambling harm research, treatment, and prevention, each responsible for a unique pillar of player protection and strengthening safeguards. The first and biggest tranche (50%) of the Statutory Levy will be allocated to NHS England, Scotland, and Wales for treatment of individuals experiencing gambling-related harm[2]. Another sizeable portion (30%) of the Statutory Levy will be dedicated to gambling harm and addiction prevention. The remaining 20% of the Statutory Levy will be earmarked for research and developing evidence-based and bespoke approaches to minimize harm and strengthen best practices[2].
Andy Boucher, GambleAware Chair of Trustees, has hailed the introduction of the Statutory Levy as a significant milestone. Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research, has expressed interest in the potential for a clearer, more stable funding path provided by the Statutory Levy[2]. GambleAware believes that the new system will build and expand on the progress achieved so far, turning a new page in player-protection in the United Kingdom and beyond[2].
Image credit: Unsplash.com
References
- The Guardian
- GambleAware Press Release
- Gambling Commission
- BBC News
- Gambling Minister's Statement
Sports organizations in the UK might consider partnering with gambling companies to raise funds for problem gambling prevention and treatment initiatives, given that the gambling industry's statutory levy is anticipated to provide up to £100 million annually to such efforts. The allocation of funds from this levy will include a significant portion for research, which could potentially facilitate fruitful collaborations between sports and gambling harm researchers.
