Gambling charity GambleAware is to close following the introduction of new gambling legislation.
GambleAware, which was first set up in 2002 to raise awareness of gambling addiction and support those affected, made the announcement late last week.
The charity will close by the end of March 2026, following the introduction of a new statutory levy and the appointment of three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment.
The charity said in a statement that the introduction of this new legislature means that “as expected, the work historically delivered by GambleAware will now transition to the UK government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales”.
The charity has advocated for the introduction of a statutory system over many years.
It added: “Recognising the change across the system, trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a managed closure by 31 March 2026”, but remains committed to fulfilling existing commissioning agreements until the new system is fully implemented.
Charity instrumental in bringing forward new legislature
The charity’s chair, Andy Boucher, highlighted the charity’s previous achievements in the statement regarding its closure, praising its national gambling support network and noting its championing of the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm.
Boucher added: “We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy.
“As we enter the final phase of our commissioning work, we urge NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward.”
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