Glasgow City Council is set to receive over £3.44 million in funding over the next three years to address gambling-related harms in the city. The funds, sourced from the industry’s statutory levy, will support and expand “The Glasgow Project,” which is focused on prevention and intervention efforts. The initiative aims to extend its reach within schools and youth services, providing key support to young people grappling with gambling-induced debt. And the funding will also enhance training for workers in health, community, and public services, and target investments in neighborhoods with high concentrations of betting outlets.
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The Need for Expanded Prevention Efforts
With more than 42% of Glasgow’s betting shops located in its most deprived areas, the need for the council’s expanded intervention is evident. The cost of gambling harm in the city reportedly exceeds £15 million annually, making it the highest across Scotland. By increasing staff for prevention and financial inclusion services, and revitalizing its multi-agency partnerships, the council aims to mitigate these staggering impacts. According to the Glasgow City Council Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee, the project’s expansion includes additional staff and broad financial support services to assist those affected. But the true challenge will be implementation—especially in coordinating with multiple agencies and communities.
Reshaping Gambling Levies
The statutory levy, established in April 2025, replaces a previous voluntary funding model. The industry-led levy is designed to generate £100 million annually to fund research, prevention, and treatment initiatives for gambling-related harm. The Gambling Commission, under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), manages the levy collections. But not just Glasgow stands to benefit; the DCMS has also earmarked £25.4 million for 33 voluntary and community organizations across England, also funded by the levy. Wales isn’t left out either. Public Health Wales has rolled out a two-year initiative aimed at tackling gambling harm, emphasizing community-led actions to change societal perceptions of gambling.
the wider Context: Nationwide Initiatives
This funding comes amid widespread public health efforts across the UK. Public Health Scotland pioneered a broad mapping of Glasgow’s gambling support systems, identifying key risk factors. This research bolstered the city’s push for recognizing gambling harms as a public health challenge—a move that echoes similar initiatives in Wales. In a market where regulatory frameworks are ever-evolving, Glasgow’s proactive stance sets a precedent. Public Health Wales’ latest initiative further underscores the shared commitment across different jurisdictions to grapple with gambling-related challenges. Industry analysts have noted that such broad approaches may lead to more effective management of gambling harm.
What’s Next for Glasgow
The Glasgow City Council plans to commence its expanded initiatives in the upcoming fiscal year. As the council implements these changes, the effectiveness of this funding in reducing gambling harm will be closely monitored. The council’s next steps include hiring prevention team members and refining their multi-agency partnerships—essential components to the project’s success. And the board’s upcoming meeting in Q3 will be critical, where updates on the progress and future direction of “The Glasgow Project” are anticipated.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
