*The UK Government has unveiled its plans for the statutory levy and online slot stake limits, marking a new phase of protection and compliance for UK gambling.*
The new statutory measure for the RET (research, education, and treatment) Levy will allocate £100 million annually to projects, initiatives, and organizations focusing on the treatment and prevention of gambling-related harms.
The industry is still coming to terms with these pivotal changes, with calls for clarity and further examination continuing.
## Labour
**Stephanie Peacock**, the Labour Government’s Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society & Youth, issued a [ministerial statement](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-11-27/hcws253) on the statutory levy and online slot stake limits.
Peacock criticized the current funding system for gambling-related harm as “no longer fit for purpose,” citing the recent increase in donations but emphasizing that funding quantity alone does not ensure an effective system.
She confirmed that DCMS would implement the new RET Levy via “secondary legislation” by next summer to ensure funding reaches priority projects and services in the upcoming financial year.
Peacock highlighted that the statutory levy aims to provide “increased and trusted investment directed where it is most needed” and to strengthen the evidence base for policy development and the establishment of an effective prevention and treatment system across the nation.
“We want the public to be more aware of the risks of gambling and for anyone suffering from gambling harms to receive timely and effective support when needed,” she said.
The levy funding distribution—20% for research, 30% for prevention, and 50% for treatment—is designed to leverage expertise and authority across public bodies.
Further evidence collection for prevention is ongoing, as the Government considers this area crucial to its efforts to mitigate gambling harm. It aims to meticulously appoint a lead commissioning body here.
An update will follow in the coming months, and governance of the levy will involve a Gambling Levy Programme Board and a Gambling Levy Advisory Group, ensuring oversight and expert advice on funding priorities.
The levy system will undergo a formal review within five years, assessing its structure and efficacy to ensure it aligns with the Government’s goals.
On its policy impact, Peacock acknowledged the financial implications for gambling operators but deemed them necessary and proportionate. The levy will enhance spending independence and Government oversight over commissioning decisions.
“This will contribute to the Government’s broader aim of fostering an informed and protected public against gambling-related harms,” she noted.
“This investment will also ensure the Government and the Gambling Commission possess the robust evidence needed to balance freedom and protection amidst new challenges.
“The publication today reaffirms the Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing gambling-related harm. We want people across the country to access reliable and high-quality information, support, and treatment concerning gambling-related harms.
“The introduction of the statutory levy is a vital step towards achieving these aims. I will place a copy of the response to the consultation in the libraries of both Houses.”
For online slot stake limits: £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over, and £2 per spin for young adults aged 18 to 24, will go through an implementation period. After Parliamentary debates, operators will have six weeks to enforce these limits.
“The stake limits are proportionate and a crucial step in achieving the Government’s goal of diminishing gambling-related harms. Significantly, these changes harmonize online slot games with existing restrictions in casinos,” Peacock concluded.
“These limits also align with the recommendation from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Second Report of Session 2023-24, ‘Gambling regulation,’ published in December 2023.”
## NHS
**Claire Murdoch**, Director for Mental Health at the NHS, [welcomed](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statutory-levy-and-online-slot-stake-limits-to-be-introduced-to-tackle-gambling-harm) the gambling levy, noting that families and the voluntary sector have long sought better coordination with the government to prevent gambling harm.
“Problem gambling can devastate lives, and the issue has surged, with NHS services treating record numbers and a staggering 129% increase in service referrals compared with last year.
“We will continue collaborating with the government to protect problem gamblers from this billion-pound industry.”
Professor **Henrietta Bowden-Jones**, National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms at NHS England, highlighted that 2.5% of the population are experiencing harmful gambling, affecting their communities.
“We recognize the need for more action, which is why I am thrilled to support the Government’s new levy, aimed at reducing gambling harms within communities through treatment, prevention, and research using an independent, evidence-based strategy.”
## GambleAware
In a [joint statement](https://www.gambleaware.org/what-we-do/news/news-articles/gambleawares-response-to-the-government-announcement-on-statutory-levy-and-online-stake-limits/), **Zoë Osmond**, CEO of **GambleAware**, and Professor **Siân Griffiths** CBE, Chair of GambleAware Trustees, welcomed the Government’s announcement. However, they warned any delay in appointing the new prevention commissioner could impact service continuity.
Osmond and Griffiths stated: “We welcome the Government’s statutory levy plans and lower online stake limits. This is a significant step toward protecting people from gambling harm.
“Gambling harms affect millions, including children, exacerbating inequalities across Great Britain. Under 25s’ lower stake limits are a positive step as we know those using online casino games are nearly four times more likely to experience ‘problem gambling.’
“The levy is a crucial step towards ongoing support through a statutory system, something we have advocated for since 2017. GambleAware is committed to supporting the new system, building on the National Gambling Support Network and others’ effective work, leveraging existing strategic commissioning and campaigning expertise.”
They continued: “We are concerned about the prevention commissioner appointment delay potentially impacting service continuity.
“Clarity is urgently needed to avoid system degradation. Prevention must be integral to tackling gambling-related harms and integrated with treatment. This includes impactful public health campaigns, self-help tools, and education programs crucial to addressing this serious public health issue.
“We also support the cross-Government levy board and advisory group announcement. A national strategy to address gambling harms is vital for the levy board’s effectiveness.”
## EPIC
**Paul Buck**, CEO & Founder of **EPIC Global Solutions**, [responded](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7267396332955340800-27lE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop) on LinkedIn, noting that “the devil will be in the detail over the next few months.”
Buck outlined five key views on DCMS’s RET levy, indicating its alignment with EPIC’s future work.
He emphasized: “It’s crucial to remember that the main focus should be on individuals who need services. Recent claims of ‘victory’ are secondary to preventing gambling harm and effectively treating those affected.”
He commended the decision to allocate 50% treatment, 30% prevention, and 20% research. EPIC has previously advocated for this distribution.
Buck stressed that treatment should reflect the varied nature of gambling problems.
He added: “The NHS could be the right commissioner but must manage the broader ecosystem to provide genuine life-saving treatment choices. Amazing treatment options exist, such as Gordon Moody, the NGSN, and peer support groups like Betknowmore UK and EPIC Restart Foundation, which must be supported to provide diverse options.”
Lastly, he highlighted prevention as another unresolved issue, despite its 30% levy allocation.
“As leaders in this area since 2013, and the largest global gambling lived experience employer, EPIC has contributed extensively to discussions and felt heard. However, commissioner identity and timescales remain unclear.
“Certainty is needed ASAP so that approved RET list organizations can continue transforming lives. This must not devolve into anti-gambling campaigning.”
He concluded: “The levy will face immense public and political scrutiny, and the points above are crucial to preventing unintended consequences and maximizing positive impact.”