GambleAware to shut down as UK government takes over gambling harm services

Sunday, July 27, 2025 7:59 PM
Photo:  By Roger Harris - https://members.parliament.uk/member/4966/portrait, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142040967
  • Sonja Lindenberg, Next.io

GambleAware will begin a managed closure, with the UK charity set to wind down operations by 31 March 2026 following the rollout of a new statutory system to address gambling-related harm in Great Britain.

The government’s introduction of a statutory levy and the appointment of three new national commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment will shift responsibility for GambleAware’s work to public bodies across England, Scotland, and Wales. The charity has long supported the move to a statutory, public health-led model.

Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, said the transition marks a pivotal moment for gambling harm services.

“We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation.”