The transition to a statutory levy regime for the gambling-related harms sector risks creating “fragmentation” of the previous “joined-up” approach, GambleAware has warned.
The charity will cease operations on 31 March, after the statutory levy came in to effect in April 2025 compelling licensed operators to contribute between 0.1% and 1% of their gross gambling yield (GGY) towards gambling harm prevention.
GambleAware will become obsolete as a result and be replaced by government bodies as the commissioning entity for the levy.
The funding will be split on a 50:30:20 basis for treatment, prevention and research, respectively.
NHS England will oversee the treatment aspect, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities will manage prevention and UK Research and Innovation will handle research.
According to the charity, principal among stakeholder concerns is the potential fragmentation caused by the new statutory model’s three separate arms.
In the charity’s ‘Legacy Report’, it outlined such concerns that could crop up outside of the previous “joined-up approach”.
The report states: “Primarily there is a concern among stakeholders that the three separate arms will create fragmentation, losing the joined-up approach built over 20+ years under GambleAware’s leadership, and the valuable knowledge and collaboration networks that have been established.
“Without deliberate action, these risks could erode progress made in prevention, early intervention and equity of response.”
The charity said it had responded to these challenges, with measures including an asset transfer plan, structured legacy programme and a system stabilisation fund, all designed to preserve stability and knowledge during the transition.
The body added: “Through focused and sustained engagement with government and future system commissioners, GambleAware has consistently sought to align transition planning, advocate for clarity on timelines and funding, highlight areas of risk and interdependency and reduce uncertainty for providers, ultimately preparing the sector for what comes next.”
GambleAware also called on the commissioners, which have faced criticism, especially OHID, to follow the blueprint laid out before them by the soon-to-shutter charity.
The report concluded: “GambleAware’s story offers a powerful blueprint for system building in complex, contested spaces: align ambition with values, commission strategically and convene diverse actors around shared evidence and purpose.
“If future commissioners adopt these principles the gambling harms system can not only sustain but strengthen the progress made, delivering equitable, high-quality support for people and communities facing gambling harm across Great Britain.”
Have Your Say
Take our short customer survey on EGR’s content and data offering for the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. It will take less than three minutes, with the findings used to inform our plans to improve the platform.
The post GambleAware says “fragmentation” concerns exist ahead of levy transition first appeared on EGR Intel.
Charity highlights the main issues which could arise from the switch to statutory levy ahead of its planned closure at the end of March
The post GambleAware says “fragmentation” concerns exist ahead of levy transition first appeared on EGR Intel.