Should you ever find yourself feeling as though your betting has got out of control, GambleAware is an excellent resource.
You’ll find a treasure trove of information on their website in finding help in your local area, or you can contact an adviser anonymously via their freephone number or live chat option.
However, it should be noted that as of March 2026, GambleAware will cease to exist.
Statutory System
The charity will slowly begin to wind down its operations until next year, when the UK government will instead take statutory control of tackling gambling-related harm.
That will include the implementation of a statutory levy, which will raise funds that go towards treatment services and research.
The Gambling Commission will be tasked with collecting the levy on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), although it’s not yet known how much bookmakers and operators will be charged – further updates are expected later in the summer.
According to the gambling minister, Baroness Twycross, the statutory levy will deliver a significant increase on the current level of investment in problem gambling help – raising as much as ‘£90 to £100 million in its first year.’
The government will also reveal the appointment of three national commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales, who will lead the public bodies that oversee research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm within those individual countries.
For their part, GambleAware has long supported the move to a statutory style model, with the public health bodies involved likely to receive plenty of central government funding – unlike GambleAware themselves, who are reliant on donations to keep their services going.
The chair of trustees at GambleAware, Andy Boucher, remarked that he was ‘proud of our contribution’ to the implementation of the statutory system.
He also confirmed that GambleAware’s services will remain in place, with individuals able to contact them as normal, up until April 2026.
“Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over,” Boucher said.
Tireless Commitment
According to the numbers, GambleAware has helped millions of people via their support services and through partnerships such as the National Gambling Support Network.
“GambleAware’s national prevention programmes have also provided crucial advice, tools and support to millions of people in order to reduce gambling harm,” Boucher said.
And he’s called upon his organisation’s successors to ensure that their legacy is upheld.
“As we enter the final phase of our commissioning work, we urge NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward,” he said.
Baroness Twycross has praised the work of GambleAware, thanking them for their ‘tireless commitment’ in helping people experiencing gambling harm.
She has promised that such important work will be continued by the new entities taking over.
“As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision,” the Baroness said.
The input of GambleAware into gaming reform has also been noted; in particular the slowing down of online slot games.
Research has suggested that speed elements, such as autoplay and turbo spins, can lead to a loss of control for some players, who find it more difficult to track their gameplay.
Those have now been outlawed by the UK government, while safer game design requirements will also see stake limits introduced, with a maximum of £2 per spin for 18-24-year-olds and £5 per turn for adults aged 25+.
However, the news of GambleAware’s dissolution has been met with concern by many in the industry, who fear that any delays or issues during the transition period could see some problem gamblers fall through the cracks.
There’s also worries that the break-up of GambleAware, perhaps the most recognised name in support for the average punter struggling with problem behaviours, will leave some individuals not knowing where to turn if the transition isn’t handled correctly.
If you’re worried about how your gambling is affecting you, GambleAware has launched an app that could help.
Available for free from the App Store and Google Play Store, individuals can find help and guidance on how to remain control of their betting or quit entirely.
Anonymous and confidential, the app provides helpful information on responsible gambling as well as tracker tools, which allow the user to monitor their activity.