GamCare boosted by independence approval before levy decision

GamCare has received a timely boost as it approaches a critical funding decision. An independent review confirmed its services operate free from gambling industry influence.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment comes as the UK is preparing to transition to a statutory levy system. This will determine how funding is distributed across treatment providers. Demand for support is rising and so this decision is expected to affect GamCare’s role within Britain’s gambling harm support network.

CQC assessment strengthens independence credentials

GamCare welcomed the outcome of a three-day review by the Care Quality Commission. The CQC evaluated its operations, including the National Gambling Helpline.

The regulator found the charity’s services to be “safe, effective, caring and well-led”. It also confirmed there was no evidence that treatment or support delivery was influenced by the gambling industry.

This point is likely to carry weight when funding decisions are finalised. Concerns have previously been raised that organisations with historic industry links could be excluded from future funding under the new system.

GamCare CEO Victoria Corbishley said the findings reinforce trust in the organisation’s work and its role in the next phase of treatment provision.

Funding uncertainty remains ahead of levy rollout

Despite the positive assessment, GamCare’s future funding position remains unclear.

The charity previously received financial support through GambleAware. This is set to close on 31 March ahead of the statutory levy launch on 1 April.

Under the new framework, UK-licensed operators will contribute to a centralised levy. This generated around £120m in its first year. However, we don’t yet know how this funding will be distributed between providers.

GamCare’s latest annual report showed it received £11.3m from GambleAware-linked contracts and grants. This shows the scale of funding that must now be replaced.

The organisation has already said it needs to diversify its income streams. It’s better not to rely on a single funding route.

Rising demand shows importance of services

Demand for GamCare’s services continues to increase. This adds urgency to the funding decision.

The National Gambling Helpline recorded 996 referrals in January 2026. This was up from 647 a year earlier and represents a 50% increase. It was one of the highest monthly totals on record.

Performance data from the CQC review also showed that 84.5% of contacts were answered within 30 seconds. It said 96.5% of users reported being treated with dignity and respect.

Across the 12 months prior to the assessment, the charity handled more than 100,000 contacts. This came with thousands of referrals and signposts to other support services.

Industry voices have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity. Jordan Lea described GamCare’s helpline as “indispensable” and said delays in confirming funding were difficult to justify.

With the levy system about to take effect, the coming weeks are expected to provide long-awaited clarity on whether GamCare will retain a central role in delivering gambling harm support across Great Britain.