Wales to launch NHS-backed Gambling Helpline in April

Wales will launch its first dedicated NHS gambling support service on 1 April. This will mark what ministers have described as a “landmark moment” for treatment access.

The new Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and referrals for anyone experiencing gambling-related harm. It’s also available to family members and others affected. A specialist NHS treatment pathway will also go live alongside the helpline.

The service is being funded by the Welsh Government through the UK-wide gambling levy. It will be operated by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

First NHS specialist gambling service for Wales

According to Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, the launch will be the first time specialist gambling treatment and support services will be available through NHS Wales.

"The establishment of these new specialist services represents a significant step forward in providing the comprehensive treatment needed to support people affected by gambling and gambling harms in Wales." Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Murphy said the helpline would offer open-access support. It aligns with Wales’ wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. She added that the approach had been guided by evidence and was designed to deliver both prevention and treatment.

The service is backed by £1.3m in annual funding and aims to reach tens of thousands of people across  Wales who may be at risk of gambling-related harm.

How to access the Wales Gambling Helpline

From 1 April, support will be available through:

• A dedicated telephone helpline.
• Secure online access for advice and treatment support.
• Referrals to NHS specialist treatment services.
• Triage and structured aftercare.

The online platform is designed to expand access across rural and urban communities. It means individuals can seek support remotely and confidentially.

Dr Faye Graver, clinical lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said the new pathway would provide structured support from referral through to aftercare.

She said research suggests tens of thousands of people in Wales may require support for gambling-related harms.

Funded through the UK gambling levy

The helpline and treatment service will be financed via the statutory UK gambling levy. This is introduced in the same month to provide ringfenced funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms.

It means licensed operators are forced to contribute to public health initiatives linked to gambling-related harm. Wales’ new service is one of the clearest examples yet of levy funding being directed into frontline NHS provision.

Closing the support gap

Until now, individuals in Wales seeking gambling treatment have often relied on UK-wide charities or services. These were delivered outside the NHS structure. The introduction of a dedicated Welsh helpline, as well as an NHS clinical pathway, will address gaps in accessibility and continuity of care.

The Welsh Government said the model brings together early intervention, specialist treatment and aftercare. Support is also extended to affected family members.

With the service set to go live in April, Wales becomes the latest part of the UK to formalise NHS-led gambling treatment provision.