GambleAware to Close in Favour of Statutory System

The news comes after the government announced an industry-wide statutory levy that will fund research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms. Despite the closure, the charity is supportive of the move to a public-health model for tackling gambling harm. Andy Boucher, the chair of trustees at GambleAware, highlighted this:

‘We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution’.

He also made it clear that the charity will continue to support those in need of its services until it closes, stating ‘Our priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm’.

GambleAware provides essential tools to reduce the risk of problem gambling and support those struggling. The charity has helped tens of thousands of people through educational content, raising awareness of responsible gambling and support groups like the National Gambling Support Network. Boucher also emphasised the importance of the new system building on the existing framework established by the charity. He added:

“We urge NHS England and the appropriate bodies to build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward.”

Reaction throughout the industry has been varied. While the Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said that ‘managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority’, others have been more critical.

Jordan Lea, the CEO of Deal Me Out, a similar charity focused on promoting awareness of problem gambling, was one such critic. He called the handling of the transition ‘a stain on the implementation of the statutory levy.’ Lea questioned whether shutting down the UK’s most well-known gambling harm charity was the right move. He also highlighted the hundreds of job losses which come as a result of the change.

For players, this means a change in the face in the support system. While we’re all familiar with the campaigns and tools associated with GambleAware, we have little idea how the new system will look. Those in the industry hope that it incorporates the good work put in by charities like GambleAware. It should continue to push to raise awareness of problem gambling and offer support to those impacted throughout the country.

If the transition is as smooth as promised, players should feel this support without too much change. However, at the moment, the future of gambling support remains to be seen.