Vital support services for gambling addicts across the United Kingdom are facing imminent closure unless the government steps in with emergency funding, leading charities have urgently warned.
New Levy System Creates Funding Black Hole
The crisis stems from a major overhaul in how gambling harm services are financed. Until this year, funding for problem gambling research, education, and treatment came from voluntary contributions by casinos and bookmakers, who gave around 0.1% of their annual takings.
Under new plans initiated by the previous government and implemented by Labour since April, the sector now pays a mandatory levy of up to 1.1%. This is designed to raise approximately £100 million a year from the £12.5bn industry. The NHS has taken on the role of commissioning these services, distributing money to clinics and external organisations, a function previously managed by the charity GambleAware.
Charities Sound Alarm Over Service Disruption
However, the transition to this new system, overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has been plagued by delays. Two of the UK's foremost gambling charities, GamCare and Gordon Moody, have raised the alarm. They state that a lack of clarity from the government and commissioning bodies like the NHS about what is expected from funding bids has created severe uncertainty.
Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline and refers callers to over 30 other organisations, highlighted the perilous situation. "The uncertainty is causing challenges," she said. "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."
Gordon Moody, which provides free residential treatment to about 2,000 people annually, specialising in severe cases, echoed these concerns. A spokesperson stated that criteria for commissioning had been changed at short notice, "shifting the goalposts." This approach leaves expert organisations uncertain about their future beyond March 2026 and is already impacting frontline services.
Personal Testimonies Highlight Life-or-Death Stakes
The human cost of any funding disruption was starkly illustrated by Alex, a 41-year-old former teacher. He credited Gordon Moody with saving his life after his addiction drove him to attempt suicide. "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 are now calling for the government to approve interim funding for the next 12 months to ensure continuity of these essential services. They also demand a comprehensive evaluation of all treatment providers to secure a stable future.
Corbishley reinforced the plea for a short-term cash injection: "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."
A government spokesperson responded, saying: "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."
