- Media
UK Gambling charities warn of treatment disruptions
The shift from the previous voluntary funding model, under which gambling companies contributed about 0.1% of revenues, to a mandatory levy of up to 1.1 percent has created a cash shortfall for frontline addiction services. The levy, introduced in April and expected to raise around £100m annually from the £12.5bn gambling sector, places the NHS in charge of commissioning treatment services previously overseen by the charity GambleAware.
However, two leading support organisations, GamCare and Gordon Moody, told The Guardian that the transition has been hampered by slow processes and a lack of clarity, leaving dozens of specialist clinics and community groups unsure whether they will be able to continue operating in the coming months.
GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline and refers callers to more than 30 external organisations, warned that the disruption risks leaving some individuals without critical support.
“The uncertainty is causing challenges,” Victoria Corbishley, GamCare’s chief executive, told The Guardian. “We don’t know what commissioners want from us from April onwards. It runs the risk of potential disruption to some of the services, particularly smaller organisations that we rely on.”
“We need to know that the organisations we refer on to have funding secure and will be in a position to provide support, or who do we signpost to?”
Levy funding delays
Gordon Moody, which provides long-term residential treatment and supports about 2,000 people a year, raised similar concerns. A spokesperson told The Guardian the charity had been hit by short-notice changes to commissioning criteria, effectively “shifting the goalposts” and hampering service planning.
“This approach is leaving longstanding, expert and proven organisations like Gordon Moody uncertain about their future beyond March 2026, and is already impacting on frontline services and the people with the most severe gambling harms,” the spokesperson said.
The Guardian also reported the testimony of Alex, a 41-year-old former teacher who said Gordon Moody’s programme saved his life after years of addiction. “I would not be here if it wasn’t for Gordon Moody, there is no other service like it,” he said. “I believe suicide rates would go up [if funding is disrupted].”
Both charities have called for 12 months of emergency funding to prevent gaps in treatment and for a full evaluation of all providers operating under the new system.
Corbishley reiterated the need for clarity. “We need to make sure there’s clarity on commissioning intentions as soon as possible. If that’s going to come later, we may need interim funding arrangements to make sure there is no disruption to services,” she told The Guardian.
A government spokesperson said work was ongoing to ensure continuity. “A smooth transition to the new levy system is vital, which is why we are working with GambleAware to ensure people can continue to access treatment while the new system is put in place,” the spokesperson said.
