GamCare Pays Tribute as GambleAware Prepares to Close in 2026

The UK’s system of gambling harm prevention and support is set to undergo a major transition, as GambleAware announced its plans to wind down operations by 31 March 2026. GamCare, a key player in the delivery of gambling support services, responded promptly, offering praise for GambleAware’s long-standing efforts and confirming its own commitment to continue operating the National Gambling Helpline.

With the introduction of a gambling statutory levy and three new national commissioners appointed to oversee research, prevention, and treatment, the government will now assume responsibility for GambleAware’s previous work. This restructuring marks what GamCare called a “defining transition point for the sector.”

GambleAware’s managed closure follows years of advocacy for a publicly funded system to tackle gambling-related harm. Chair of Trustees Andy Boucher acknowledged the shift, saying: “We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation.”

Boucher emphasized that the charity will continue fulfilling its commissioning obligations until the new system is fully implemented in April 2026. “Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over,” he said.

GambleAware expressed pride in its achievements, pointing to national prevention campaigns, strong collaboration with the lived experience community, and its foundational role in the National Gambling Support Network. Since 2017, the organization has pushed for a public health-led model and sees the new statutory levy as a milestone in recognizing gambling harm within the wider health agenda.

The UK Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, also acknowledged GambleAware’s contributions, stating: “GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to commission and deliver effective services for people experiencing gambling-related harm.”

She stressed the importance of a seamless transition, adding: “The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.”

As GambleAware prepares to step back, attention now shifts to how support organizations like GamCare will fit into the new statutory structure. GamCare, which has received the bulk of its funding from GambleAware, will be looking to secure continued financial support and institutional backing.

It plans to initiate meetings as soon as possible with NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and relevant authorities in Scotland and Wales. The aim is to clarify how the transition will affect its services and ensure ongoing assistance for at-risk individuals.

The charity reaffirmed that maintaining the National Gambling Helpline remains a top priority. However, with the statutory levy system now in place, questions remain as to which charities and social enterprises will be allocated funding.

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In the most recent arrangement, GambleAware was allocated up to £11 million to aid in the transitional period. This sum—agreed upon by NHS England and devolved governments in Scotland and Wales—is intended as a one-time disbursement to support the handover.

Not everyone has welcomed the process. Jordan Lea, CEO of gambling education charity Deal Me Out, criticized the government’s handling of the levy rollout. “The cessation of the United Kingdom’s most recognisable and trusted gambling harm charity is a stain on the implementation of the statutory levy,” he said.

Lea pointed to job losses at GambleAware over the past year and warned that additional closures could follow, describing the process as the result of “a mismanaged implementation of government policy.”

Still, GambleAware’s resources—including its website and educational tools—will remain active throughout the transition, and stakeholders have been urged to build upon the existing foundation to avoid disruption to services.

GamCare, for its part, expressed gratitude to GambleAware staff and trustees and committed to engaging constructively with the incoming system and its commissioners. As the sector prepares for a new era, both organizations emphasized their shared goal: protecting individuals from the risks and harms of gambling.

Source: 

GambleAware statement on the new statutory gambling harms system and the future of the charity, gambleaware.org, July 25, 2025