Concerns raised over UK gambling levy rollout and funding delays

The rollout of the UK’s new gambling levy is already facing scrutiny. Concerns have been raised over how prevention funding has been allocated. The system is designed to deliver long-term stability but early decisions have created uncertainty for charities operating on the frontline of gambling harm support.

Funding timing raises immediate concerns

The Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) has criticised the timing of the first prevention funding allocations in England. Decisions are managed by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). These were communicated just 13 days before the new funding cycle begins.

This has created a difficult position for many organisations. Some now face last-minute decisions over staffing and service delivery. Some are worried whether they can continue operating at all.

Stakeholders say the issue is not only about which organisations received funding, but how the process has been handled. The short notice leaves little room for transition planning, particularly for services supporting vulnerable groups.

Shift from voluntary funding model under scrutiny

The new levy is expected to generate around £100m annually. The Gambling Commission has been collecting funds since September 2025 under government direction.

It replaces the previous voluntary system, where funding was distributed by GambleAware. The idea is to create a more stable and transparent structure for prevention, treatment and research.

However, GLEN has warned that the transition risks disrupting existing services. Without maintaining current capacity, there is concern that gaps in provision could emerge. This is particularly worrisome if smaller organisations lose funding before alternatives are fully established.

Concerns over structure and decision-making

Besides timing, stakeholders have questioned whether funding decisions reflect real demand. There are also concerns about whether the government bodies responsible for delivery are fully prepared.

GLEN described the competitive funding model as “needlessly reckless.”, suggesting it may favour larger, regional providers over smaller, specialist charities. Many of these organisations rely almost entirely on gambling harm funding to operate.

GLEN Network Developer Mark Conway highlighted the human impact of the process:

“Calculators will have been working overtime, and possibly bouncing off walls a few times. Those letters already written and addressed to staff who are now unaffordable will very reluctantly be getting made ready to send out.” – Mark Conway

Delivery challenges across public bodies

The rollout also raises questions about institutional readiness. OHID, part of the Department of Health and Social Care, has limited prior involvement in gambling harms.

Meanwhile, NHS England is undergoing significant restructuring. This adds further uncertainty around how funding decisions will be implemented.

On the research side, UK Research and Innovation is progressing plans for a dedicated Gambling Research Programme. It has begun recruiting a department head to lead the initiative.

Balancing long-term reform with short-term risk

The gambling levy is a major shift in how harm prevention is funded in the UK. In theory, it offers a more sustainable and accountable system.

In practice, however, there are concerns about whether the transition is being managed effectively. For charities on the ground, the coming months will be critical. Without clearer timelines and stronger coordination, there is a risk that the new system could unintentionally weaken the very support networks it aims to strengthen.