Gambling regulatory body, GambleAware, to close down due to impending statutory levy
The United Kingdom's New Statutory Levy on Gambling: A Step Towards Safer Gambling
The United Kingdom has introduced a new system of funding responsible gambling and harm prevention, called the Statutory Levy, effective from April 6, 2025 [1]. This marks a significant shift from the previous voluntary contribution system, with operators now required to make a mandatory financial contribution towards addressing gambling-related harms.
The levy is divided into three parts: 50% for treatment, 30% for prevention, and 20% for research [1][4]. NHS England, along with its counterparts in Scotland and Wales, will receive 50% of the levy to support the treatment network for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. The remaining 20% will be earmarked for research and developing evidence-based and bespoke approaches to minimize harm and strengthen best practices [1].
This move is part of broader regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing consumer protection in gambling [4]. The transition is expected to lead to the closure of GambleAware, the charity that previously managed voluntary contributions for research, education, and treatment of gambling harm, as the government moves to a more formalized statutory funding model [4].
The new levy system reflects a government commitment to providing a safer gambling environment by securing dedicated and reliable resources for harm reduction [4]. Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees at GambleAware, has hailed the implementation of the Statutory Levy as a significant milestone [1]. Boucher expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the realization of the new funding system and recognized the unwavering commitment of GambleAware staff, leadership team, and Lived Experience Council [1].
Opponents have argued that the industry was contributing sufficiently voluntarily to sustain treatment, research, and harm prevention [1]. However, Boucher noted that gambling harms are now recognized alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy [1].
The new heads of gambling harm research, treatment, and prevention have been appointed, each responsible for a unique pillar of player protection and strengthening safeguards [1]. Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research, expressed interest in how the statutory levy could provide a clearer, more stable funding path for prevention, treatment, and research [1].
Over the years, GambleAware has protected thousands of people through national campaigns and commissioned partners [1]. However, the implementation of the Statutory Levy is not without debate, with some industry insiders opposing it [1]. Despite this, Boucher believes that the new system will allow for building and expanding on the progress achieved so far, turning a new page in player-protection in the United Kingdom and beyond [1].
References: [1] GambleAware. (2025). The Statutory Levy: A New Era for Gambling Harm Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved from www.gambleaware.co.uk/statutory-levy [4] HM Government. (2024). White Paper on Gambling Reform: A Safer and Fairer Gambling Environment. Retrieved from www.gov.uk/government/publications/gambling-reform-white-paper
- The new Statutory Levy in the United Kingdom's gambling sector has allocated 20% of its funding for research, which could potentially open doors for extensive studies on the intersection of gambling and health-and-wellness.
- In the context of the United Kingdom's commitment to safer gambling, the implementation of the Statutory Levy could pave the way for innovative initiatives in health-and-wellness, as a portion of the levy is dedicated to developing evidence-based approaches to minimize gambling harm.
