United Kingdom Allocates £25.4 Million in Statutory Levy Funds to Gambling Harm Prevention Groups

The UK government announces £25.4 million in funding from the statutory gambling levy to support GamCare and 32 other prevention organizations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 10:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from iGB

The Transition to Statutory Levy Funding

The British government has reached a major milestone in its gambling reform agenda by announcing the provisional distribution of £25.4 million from the new statutory levy. This funding pool, which replaced the previous voluntary contribution system in April last year, has already accumulated nearly £120 million. The Department of Health and Social Care intended this shift to provide a more stable and transparent financial foundation for research and prevention. Overseen by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the grants are designed to sustain and expand the capacity of third sector organizations over a two year period starting in 2026.

Rigorous Oversight and Conflict of Interest Protocols

A critical requirement of the new funding model is the total separation of prevention organizations from the gambling industry. Successful applicants were mandated to declare any conflicts of interest and commit to halting all direct industry funding by April 2026. This exclusion does not apply to the National Lottery or social lotteries but is intended to ensure that prevention strategies remain entirely independent of commercial influence. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities conducted a closed application window and rigorous due diligence checks to maintain the integrity of the selection process.

Major Grant Recipients and National Helplines

Among the 33 organizations selected, GamCare received the largest provisional allocation of 4.04 million pounds. As the founder of the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare remains a central pillar of the UK's response to gambling harm, particularly following reports that student gamblers are increasingly vulnerable. Other notable provisional grants include 3 million pounds for the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust and approximately 2.99 million pounds for Betknowmore. These funds are specifically earmarked for innovative prevention strategies and the strengthening of community based resilience projects across England.