The UK government's new statutory gambling levy has begun distributing its first prevention grants. On April 8, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) published its first list of approved organizations under the Gambling Harms Prevention VCSE Fund, with free blocking software provider Betblocker among the confirmed recipients. The levy replaces the previous voluntary system led by charity GambleAware, raising approximately £120 million in its first year from licensed operators.
GambleAware Ends Two-Decade Run as Government Takes the Reins
GambleAware had operated since 2002 and served as Britain's chief commissioner of gambling harm services from 2018, building a National Gambling Support Network that supported over 110,000 individuals. The charity had long advocated for a statutory funding model, arguing that voluntary industry donations created an inherent conflict of interest. In November 2024, the government announced three national commissioners: NHS England for treatment, UK Research and Innovation for research, and OHID for prevention. GambleAware ceased operations on March 31, 2026. Its chair of trustees, Andy Boucher, said the charity was proud of its contribution but acknowledged its time had passed.
Thirty percent of the levy funds prevention work by OHID and devolved governments, with the rest split between treatment and research. The distribution system went live on April 1. The transition has been rocky: funding decisions were communicated to applicants with as little as 13 days' notice. Multiple established charities were denied funding.
Gamban Excluded Due to Business Structure, Moves to Paid Subscription
Gamban, the UK's leading gambling blocking software, was excluded entirely because it is a limited company rather than a VCSE (voluntary, community, or social enterprise) organization. It has since moved to a £4.99 monthly paid subscription model in England and Scotland, remaining free in Wales. Jordan Lea, founder of gambling harm organization Dealmeout, warned the process risked losing sight of people needing help. The Gambling Lived Experience Network called the rollout a glaring example of excluding sector experts. On March 26, a last-minute Gambling Levy Transition Fund was announced to provide three months of emergency funding, with applications open until April 30. No recipients have been announced.
Betblocker Funded but Process Bittersweet
Betblocker founder Duncan Garvie welcomed the grant as a significant accolade but noted the process was bittersweet, warning that many important organizations delivering high-quality services were unsuccessful. OHID has faced questions about its scoring through the Government Grants Management System. Labourlist alleged that newer, independent public-health charities were struck down on unspecified due diligence grounds while established organizations with healthy reserves were approved. As of writing, neither OHID nor the Department of Health and Social Care has published a complete list of funded organizations or grant amounts.