UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has initiated the search for a leader to head its new Gambling Research Programme. This move comes as the organization steps in to replace GambleAware’s role in commissioning gambling research across the UK. The initiative, funded by a recently implemented levy on gambling operators, marks a significant shift in how gambling-related research is conducted and financed.
The newly established programme seeks a department head to guide its development, supported by funding from the gambling levy introduced in April last year. The selected leader will focus on fostering evidence-based collaboration to advance research on gambling-related harms. The recruitment process is open until April 13, in line with government plans to have the department operational within the year.
The appointed head will work within the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on a two-year fixed-term contract. Reporting to the AHRC’s associate director for the Gambling Research Programme, the head will aim to establish the programme as a reputable body within government and the research community by the end of the first year.
One of the primary responsibilities of the new head will be to provide strategic direction on the allocation of funds from the gambling levy. The UKRI’s programme will receive 20% of the levy proceeds, with the rest allocated to prevention initiatives (30%) and treatment and support services (50%). The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is tasked with directing these funds to the appropriate recipients, while the Gambling Commission ensures operator compliance. In its initial nine months, the levy amassed approximately £120 million.
As GambleAware winds down its operations, the transition to UKRI’s programme represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to gambling research. The change underscores a commitment to addressing gambling-related issues through coordinated funding and research efforts. However, the long-term impact of this new framework remains to be seen as the UK gambling sector navigates regulatory and market dynamics.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
