In September 2025, UK gambling companies began contributing to a new statutory levy for gambling research, prevention, and treatment, designed to create a more sustainable funding model. Despite these efforts, many charities dedicated to tackling gambling harm are still awaiting their expected financial support. Several organizations are raising concerns about the lack of immediate funding, warning that without timely distribution, some may not survive long enough to benefit from the new system.
Smaller charities, in particular, find themselves at risk. With the statutory levy now in force, these organizations must rely on a central fund managed by various government bodies, including NHS England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. While the government envisions this scheme as a fairer approach to managing gambling-related harm, the transition has proven challenging. Reports indicate that smaller charities, like the Alerts Group, have already succumbed to financial pressures and ceased operations, while others have cut services, laid off staff, or depleted their reserves in a bid to stay afloat.
In the face of delayed funding, charities have been forced to redirect their efforts toward emergency fundraising, consequently diverting focus from their core mission of supporting those affected by gambling. Initially, government officials suggested that funds would be accessible by October. However, ambiguity around the disbursement timeline has left many charities anxious, with some fearing that the much-needed financial support could be delayed until the following year.
Responding to these concerns, the government highlights the establishment of a £32.8 million “System Stabilisation Fund,” intended to facilitate the transition from voluntary donations to a mandated levy. Managed by GambleAware, the fund has reportedly allocated all its resources to vital frontline services, including the National Gambling Support Network. Despite these assurances, critics question the transparency and adequacy of the fund’s distribution. Some charities claim exclusion due to their previous reliance on industry funding, while others suspect that resources are being withheld unjustly.
GambleAware, which will dissolve by March 2026, firmly rejects these allegations. Nonetheless, smaller charities fear that increasing regulatory scrutiny and the stigma associated with industry funding could hinder their access to future financial support.
For many charities, the threat to financial sustainability is substantial. Difficult decisions loom, including the restructuring of operations or reduction of services. The specter of financial insecurity casts a long shadow, with October fast approaching and no definitive resolution in sight.
The implications of service gaps for individuals grappling with gambling harm could be dire. One senior charity leader described the situation as both painful and frustrating, expressing the sentiments of many in the sector who feel marginalized and let down after dedicating themselves to this cause.
Despite these challenges, some argue that a statutory levy remains the best path forward. Proponents assert that a government-mandated system ensures more equitable distribution and accountability. They believe that over time, the scheme will strengthen the sector’s ability to combat gambling-related harm effectively.
Conversely, others contend that the reliance on a centralized fund could lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, urging a more flexible and responsive approach. In their view, a hybrid model incorporating both statutory and voluntary contributions might better serve the diverse needs of charities across the sector.
As the debate continues, the immediate concern remains the survival of those charities on the frontlines of tackling gambling harm. With funding still in limbo, the sector is poised at a critical juncture, and the coming months will be crucial in determining its future trajectory. The hope is that as the system settles, the intended benefits of the levy will manifest, providing sustainable support for those in need.
