GamCare, a leading UK charity focused on addressing gambling-related harm, has reported a significant shift in how individuals accessed its support services over the past year. This change comes as the organization transitions to operating under a statutory levy-funded system, set to be fully implemented in April 2026. The shift to a statutory levy is part of broader regulatory efforts to better address gambling-related harm in the UK, with implications for funding and accountability structures within the sector.
The recently published Annual Review by GamCare highlighted an increase in accessibility and efficiency in its services during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the last under the voluntary levy funding model. For 25 years, GamCare has operated the National Gambling Helpline, a vital resource for individuals seeking help with gambling issues. The review noted a substantial enhancement in response times, with the percentage of Helpline and online contacts answered within 30 seconds rising from 72.7% to 86%. This improvement reflects GamCare’s operational investments and a redesign of its service delivery, aimed at reducing barriers to accessing support.
Moreover, the average wait time for individuals referred to treatment significantly decreased to 1.3 days in the 2024-25 period, down from 2.1 days the previous year. Such a reduction—over a third—illustrates the charity’s commitment to prompt intervention, which is crucial in averting the escalation of gambling-related issues. Despite an overall increase in contacts through GamCare’s Helpline, digital platforms, and online services, there was a slight decline in referrals to structured support. This trend is attributed to a redesign of services, expanded digital support options, and revised clinical pathways aligned with updated national guidance.
Victoria Corbishley, who became GamCare’s chief executive in February 2025, emphasized the organization’s adaptability in maintaining service quality amidst these changes. The charity also identified evolving trends in the issues reported by service users. Notably, there was a decline in the number of individuals reporting acute financial difficulties, anxiety, and depression compared to the previous year. This shift corresponds with revised outcome frameworks and adherence to updated NICE guidance on addressing gambling-related harms.
Additionally, while satisfaction among service users remained high—with 96% expressing willingness to recommend the charity’s treatment services—there was a modest reduction in treatment delivery volumes and reported completion rates. Educational and preventative outreach also saw shifts, with reduced engagement among children, young people, and professionals, coinciding with planned programme closures and a strategic move towards targeted outreach efforts. These now include partnerships with the criminal justice system, women’s services, and the armed forces.
The statutory levy, announced in November 2024, represents a pivotal change for GamCare. It will involve raising approximately £100 million annually for gambling harm prevention, funded through a percentage of profits from industry stakeholders. As the transition approaches, GamCare will need to adapt to new funding routes and accountability standards, as well as navigate evolving commissioning structures across England, Scotland, and Wales. The statutory levy will see the cessation of activities by bodies like GambleAware by March 2026, marking a significant shift in how resources for gambling harm prevention are allocated.
Margot Daly, chair of GamCare’s board of trustees, expressed confidence in the charity’s preparedness for this transition, noting that the organization is entering this next phase from a position of strength. The move to a statutory levy is expected to enhance the sustainability and accountability of funding for gambling harm prevention, aligning it more closely with regulatory goals.
As the statutory levy takes effect, the immediate focus for GamCare and key stakeholders will be on ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the quality of support services. The upcoming months will likely involve detailed planning and collaboration with government entities and new commissioners to implement the levy effectively, while continuing to address the needs of those affected by gambling-related harm.
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