On 28 August 2025, GambleAware, the UK-based charity focused on reducing gambling harms, announced that Anna Hargrave has been appointed as the transition CEO. Hargrave will oversee the managed closure of the charity, a move following Zoë Osmond’s step down from the role on 30 September.
Earlier this year, GambleAware revealed plans to cease all operations and transfer its responsibilities to the British government by March 2026. This decision aligns with the introduction of a new statutory levy, altering the landscape of gambling harm mitigation in the UK. The charity’s tasks will be assumed by new commissioners across England, Scotland, and Wales, marking a significant shift in how gambling harms are addressed nationwide.
The appointment of Hargrave signals a strategic transition within GambleAware from comprehensive oversight to a concentrated focus on operational delivery. As Andy Boucher, Chair of Trustees at GambleAware, expressed gratitude towards Zoë Osmond for her leadership, he also welcomed Hargrave to her new position. Boucher highlighted the charity’s objectives over the coming months: “With Anna at the helm, I am confident we will achieve a positive conclusion for GambleAware.”
Hargrave is well-acquainted with the charity’s operations, having served as chief commissioning and strategy officer and as deputy CEO since November 2021. Her extensive experience with the NHS, particularly in senior roles such as chief strategy officer at NHS South Warwickshire, equips her for this pivotal transition period. The final six months are deemed critical for ensuring a seamless transition to the new system. Hargrave noted the importance of collaborating with new commissioners to build upon the current system’s achievements.
Zoë Osmond’s departure marks the end of a significant era for GambleAware. Under her leadership since 2021, the charity witnessed major developments, including the recommissioning of the National Gambling Support service. Reflecting on her tenure, Osmond stated, “It has been a privilege to lead GambleAware. The sector has transformed significantly, and I am proud of our achievements, particularly embedding the voices of lived experience at the heart of our mission.”
Osmond’s tenure is recognized for reshaping the public dialogue on gambling harms, positioning them as a public health issue, and laying the groundwork for the new prevention and treatment system. “Few charities can say they’ve fulfilled their founding mission, but GambleAware has indeed played a pivotal role,” she added. Her confidence in Hargrave’s ability to guide the charity through this critical transition period is evident.
The transition of GambleAware’s responsibilities to the government arrives amid broader regulatory changes in the UK’s gambling industry. The statutory levy is part of a larger effort to enhance the accountability and funding for gambling harm prevention. This systemic shift promises to establish a more cohesive and government-backed approach to tackling gambling-related issues.
However, this transition also faces scrutiny. Critics question whether the new statutory framework will be as effective as GambleAware’s established practices. Concerns center around potential bureaucratic delays and the loss of the charity’s specialized insights. Some industry watchers argue that while governmental oversight ensures stable funding, it may lack the agility and innovation that charities like GambleAware have demonstrated.
In contrast, proponents of the new system emphasize the benefits of a unified national strategy. They argue that integrating gambling harm prevention into the broader public health framework can lead to more consistent and widespread support for those affected. The establishment of a statutory levy, ensuring dedicated funding, is seen as a crucial step forward in creating sustainable solutions to gambling-related issues in the UK.
As the transition progresses, all eyes will be on how effectively the government and new commissioners manage the inherited responsibilities. Hargrave’s leadership during this period will be crucial in ensuring a smooth handover, maintaining the momentum of progress achieved by GambleAware, and setting a solid foundation for future initiatives in gambling harm prevention.
GambleAware’s legacy, shaped by its pivotal role in reframing gambling harms, will serve as a benchmark for the new system’s success. Observers and stakeholders will closely monitor how the shift impacts both policy implementation and the communities it aims to serve. The months leading up to March 2026 will be decisive in determining the effectiveness of this large-scale transition in the UK’s approach to tackling gambling harms.
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