The UK government has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at tackling gambling-related harm, with a £30 million ($39.71 million) fund earmarked for voluntary and community groups. This initiative, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care, represents the first phase of a comprehensive two-year program designed to fill the gap between current funding frameworks and the upcoming statutory levy system.
In an information session held on October 26, officials laid out the specifics of the program, opening the expression of interest period, which will remain open until January 9. Applications for funding will start being accepted on January 12, and decisions on grants are expected to be made by early spring, with the first disbursements commencing in April.
The structure of the fund is divided into three key areas. Firstly, it emphasizes direct prevention work, focusing on programs that engage with people and communities to prevent gambling harm before it escalates. The second component is dedicated to innovation, encouraging the development of new methods or the adaptation of successful models from other fields. The third area is targeted at strengthening organizations through staffing, training, and system upgrades, enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness. Eligible groups can apply for grants ranging from £5,000 ($6,600) to £2 million ($2.65 million).
This initiative comes at a critical time, as numerous non-profit organizations have sounded the alarm over increasing financial strain while awaiting more information on when statutory levy funds will become available. The distribution of current funds has been a source of tension, with some charities expressing concerns over the competitive nature of funding allocations, which has sometimes led to friction and accusations within the sector.
A noteworthy aspect of this new initiative is the requirement that applicants commit to achieving an “industry-free funding status” by 2030. While this raises concerns for organizations still reliant on industry donations for survival, government officials have assured that a pragmatic approach will be taken over the next two years. During this period, contributions from the National Lottery will not be considered industry money, a stance that may be reassessed in the future.
From April 2026, however, the regulations will tighten. Organizations receiving money from the fund must refrain from accepting any contributions from gambling operators. To facilitate this transition, the Government Grants Management Service will assist through the Find a Grant portal, which will introduce a new digital system to streamline monitoring and reporting processes post-2026.
The introduction of this fund coincides with a period of significant upheaval in the gambling sector, following a recently announced increase in gambling taxes from 21% to 40%. This tax hike has sparked concern among experts, who worry that it may drive more players to unlicensed gambling sites, thereby increasing the risk of gambling-related harm. As such, the new fund is viewed as an essential component in strengthening the UK’s harm prevention infrastructure ahead of the implementation of the statutory levy.
However, the fund’s release has sparked a debate over its potential impact. Some stakeholders argue that while the funds are welcome, they are a temporary solution to a systemic issue. As one industry commentator put it, the underlying problem of gambling harm requires robust long-term solutions and sustainable funding models that do not solely depend on government intervention.
Others see the fund as a vital stepping stone. By providing immediate financial relief and support for innovation, it helps organizations prepare for the broader changes that the statutory levy will eventually bring. The fund’s focus on scalability and innovation is seen as a proactive step toward modernizing harm prevention strategies and enhancing the capacity of organizations to deal with future challenges.
Critics, however, caution that without a clear timeline and strategy for the statutory levy, the fund may not fully meet the sector’s long-term needs. They emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring that the transition to a statutory levy is smooth and does not lead to further financial instability for organizations working on the front lines of gambling harm prevention.
In closing, while the £30 million fund marks a significant commitment by the UK government to tackle gambling harm, its success will largely depend on how effectively it is implemented and whether it can serve as a bridge to a more sustainable, long-term funding solution. The coming months will be crucial in assessing whether this initiative can indeed lay the groundwork for a more resilient and adaptive response to gambling harm in the UK.
