The UK Government has unveiled its new policies on the statutory levy and online slot stake limits, initiating a transformative period focused on protection and compliance within the UK gambling sector.
The new RET Levy statutory provision will direct £100m annually towards projects and organizations dedicated to addressing gambling harms and their prevention.
We explore industry reactions to these pivotal changes, highlighting the ongoing call for clarity and further examination.
Labour
Stephanie Peacock
Stephanie Peacock, the Labour Government’s Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society & Youth, has issued a ministerial statement regarding the statutory levy and online slot stake limits.
Peacock criticized the current funding model for gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment as “outdated,” acknowledging recent increases in donations yet emphasizing that merely funding quantity is insufficient for a fair and effective system.
Consequently, Peacock confirmed DCMS’s intent to implement the new RET Levy via “secondary legislation” by next summer to ensure funds “reach priority projects and services by the next financial year.”
She asserted that the statutory levy will “provide more reliable and targeted investment to areas most in need” and will “enhance the evidence base for policy-making, building a more effective prevention and treatment system nationwide.”
Peacock added, “Our goal is to increase public awareness of gambling risks, ensuring anyone suffering from gambling harms can access timely and effective assistance.”
Regarding levy fund distribution – 20% to research, 30% to prevention, and 50% to treatment – Peacock explained this allocation aims to optimize expert input across public sectors.
However, gathering additional prevention evidence continues, as the Government considers this a “vital aspect” of its strategy to mitigate gambling harm and plans to ensure thoroughness before selecting a lead agency for this role.
An update will follow in a forthcoming response document “in the coming months.”
To manage the levy, a Gambling Levy Programme Board and a Gambling Levy Advisory Group will be formed. The programme board will oversee the Government’s efforts, while the advisory group offers expert advice on funding priorities and emerging issues.
The levy system will undergo a formal review within five years to evaluate its design and efficacy, enabling adjustments to meet Government objectives.
Addressing the policy impacts, Peacock stated: “Though we anticipate some financial effects on gambling operators due to the statutory levy, we consider these necessary and balanced. The levy will increase the spending independence and governmental oversight in commissioning decisions.”
“It will play a crucial role in the Government’s broader objective of creating a better-informed and protected public concerning gambling-related harms.”
“This investment will ensure the Government and the Gambling Commission gather robust evidence to balance freedom with protection as new challenges arise.”
“Today’s publication evidences the Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing gambling-related harm. We aim to guarantee access to reliable information, support, and treatment for gambling-related harms nationwide.”
“We view the statutory levy’s introduction as a critical step towards achieving these goals. I will place a copy of the consultation response in both Houses’ libraries.”
As for online slot stake limits, set at £5 per spin for adults 25 and over and £2 per spin for young adults aged 18 to 24, the Minister mentioned these limits will enter an implementation period following Parliamentary debates, giving operators six weeks to apply the restrictions.
“Implementing these stake limits is balanced and essential for achieving the Government’s aim of lowering gambling-related harms. Crucially, these new limits align online slot games with the existing slot machine restrictions in casinos,” Peacock concluded.
“These limits also align with the recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Second Report of Session 2023-24, ‘Gambling regulation,’ released in December 2023.”
NHS
Claire Murdoch, Director for Mental Health at the NHS, expressed satisfaction in welcoming the gambling levy, highlighting demands from bereaved families and the voluntary sector for better government coordination in gambling harm prevention.
“Problem gambling can devastate lives, and the issue has escalated, with NHS services treating record numbers and our latest data revealing a staggering 129% rise in service referrals compared to last year.”
“We will continue collaborating with the government to protect problem gamblers from this billion-pound industry.”
The urgent need for action was echoed by Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms at NHS England, noting that 2.5% of the population experience harmful gambling, affecting many more around them.
“We recognize the need for more proactive measures, and I enthusiastically back the Government’s new levy, which will allow us to counter the negative community impacts of gambling harms through treatment, prevention, and research within an independent evidence-based strategy, finally.”
GambleAware
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO
In a joint statement, Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware and Professor Siân Griffiths CBE, Chair of GambleAware Trustees, welcomed the Government’s move while cautioning that delays in appointing the new prevention commissioner “could jeopardize service continuity.”
Osmond and Griffiths stated, “We welcome the Government’s strategies, including the levy on the gambling industry and the reduced online stake limits. These are significant steps toward safeguarding against gambling harm.”
“Gambling harms affect millions, including children, and amplify inequalities across Great Britain. The lower online stake limits for under 25s signify a positive measure since online casino users, including slot players, are significantly more prone to ‘problem gambling’.”
“The levy signifies a crucial move towards maintaining support through a statutory framework, a goal we’ve pursued since 2017. GambleAware is dedicated to supporting the new system, aiming to enhance the National Gambling Support Network’s successes and harness existing strategic commissioning and campaigning expertise.”
The statement continued: “However, we’re concerned about the delay in appointing the prevention commissioner, impacting service continuity.”
“Clarity on this role is urgent to avoid system degradation, as prevention is central to tackling gambling harms and should integrate with treatment offerings, including public health campaigns, self-help tools, and educational initiatives essential in addressing this public health issue.”
“We also welcome the cross-Government levy board and advisory group announcements. It’s vital they establish a national strategy addressing gambling harms to ensure the new RPT system’s effectiveness.”
EPIC
Paul Buck, CEO & Founder of EPIC Global Solutions shared insights on LinkedIn regarding the decision, emphasizing that “the real test will come in the detailed implementation over the next few months.”
Buck highlighted five key perspectives on DCMS’s RET levy, outlining alignment with EPIC’s future endeavors.
He stressed, “Never lose sight of those who need services. We see organizations claiming ‘victory,’ but the focus must remain on preventing gambling harm initially and then on effective treatment for those affected.”
The decision to allocate the levy as 50% treatment, 30% prevention, and 20% research reflects EPIC’s advocacy in prior