GambleAware urges prioritisation of UK strategy on statutory levy changes

Lea Hogg January 5, 2024

In response to the ongoing review of gambling laws and duties, GambleAware has stressed the importance of prioritizing the development of the National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of gambling harms. The statement comes as part of the organization’s response to the proposed Statutory Levy consultation outlined in the Gambling Review’s White Paper, by CEO Zoë Osmond, (photo above right with The Rt Hon Andrew Stuart).

Support for statutory levy

As part of the consultation process, GambleAware is slated to be replaced by the NHS and UK Research and Innovation as the primary commissioner of funding for Research, Education, and Treatment (RET) projects and organizations. The government aims to generate £100 million annually by 2027 for gambling research, education, and treatment across England, Scotland, and Wales. This involves proposing a 1 percent fee on the gross gambling yield for online operators, while land-based establishments would contribute around 0.4 percent. GambleAware expressed its support for the introduction of a statutory levy, emphasizing the need for clarity in funding and advocating for long-term planning in the sector. CEO Zoë Osmond highlighted the potential of the levy to bring an end to debates surrounding independence and funding, allowing the focus to shift toward collaborative efforts for an effective system to protect individuals from harm.

Public health strategy

Despite the transformative potential of the proposed levy, GambleAware raised concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its potential impact on overall service provisions. The organization stressed the necessity for the government to prioritize the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Harms, which is currently absent from the proposals. GambleAware emphasized the adoption of a public health strategy as the most efficient and cost-effective means of addressing societal issues related to gambling harms. The organization suggested a preference for a single Prevention and Treatment Commissioner to ensure increased awareness and equal accessibility of services across England, Scotland, and Wales. While the government has yet to appoint a commissioner for gambling harm prevention and intervention, GambleAware, in its current role as the RET commissioner, underscored the importance of retaining the third sector’s expertise in prevention and treatment to alleviate the strain on NHS services.

National gambling helpline

GambleAware also raised concerns about the oversight in the consultation’s definitions of treatment and prevention, urging the government to consider the distinct stages of prevention for effective treatment and care of harms. The organization recommended co-commissioning Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions, including the National Gambling Helpline, and assigning national public awareness and early digital interventions to the Prevention Commissioner. CEO Zoë Osmond highlighted the critical role of key stakeholders, including those with lived experience of gambling harm, in the development of a National Strategy. GambleAware expressed support for the White Paper’s RET proposals but urged the government to ensure a stable transition to the new system, emphasizing the need for clarity on funding to prevent disruptions to existing support and treatment services. Osmond concluded by pointing out the importance of leaning on the established expertise of the third sector and urgently addressing funding clarity to realize the transformative potential of the levy and secure a society free from gambling harms.