UK betting firms face new gambling levy – and the National Health Service will get the money for addiction treatment: source

UK betting firms face new gambling levy – and the National Health Service will get the money for addiction treatment: source

Article brief provided by The Mail on Sunday
  • Glen Owen, The Mail on Sunday
April 2, 2023 4:09 PM

Gambling companies would be hit with a new Government levy, with the proceeds diverted to the NHS, under plans being considered by Ministers.

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The Mail on Sunday has learned that a new gambling white paper is likely to include proposals for a compulsory contribution to treatment programmes for gambling addicts.

It has emerged just days after betting giant William Hill was fined a record £19.2 million by the industry watchdog for failing to protect its customers from accruing unpayable debts.

Currently, all operators with a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence must make an annual contribution ‘to one or more organisation(s) which deliver research, harm prevention and treatment for those harmed by gambling’.