(AsiaGameHub) – If there was any doubt that the UK is stepping into a new phase of preventing gambling harm, the first roster of initial levy funding recipients has settled it.
Anxiety has been growing in recent months about the fragmented approach to safer gambling, as many key stakeholders have chosen to withdraw from the new process—especially as Public Health England and the new system’s structure move quickly to cut all links with the industry.
Looking beyond the surface, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)’s list of funded organizations reflects a new position: treating gambling like obesity, tobacco, or alcohol—likely a public health-focused approach.
Many have expressed regret over the loss of the nuanced approach to safer gambling that was previously in place, now that it’s been pushed onto Public Health England’s agenda. A more structured strategy appears to be in the works, with a prevention-first approach that mirrors how tobacco and alcohol are handled.
BetBlocker received £1,120,000, Gambling Harm UK (which specializes in training and risk response) got £1,248,620, and YGAM – a charity centered on school-based education and prevention – was awarded £3,000,000.
YGAM, the second-largest recipient in the first round, delivers educational programs to younger groups—highlighting one of the demographics OHID considers most at risk and underscoring why prevention is critical.
Additionally, the Greater Manchester Youth Network and numerous local Citizens’ Advice Bureaus received funding to enhance education about gambling-related harms.
Even for groups that got funding, worries will surely persist about their long-term financial outlooks.
Take GamCare: its annual report shows it got £11.3 million from service contracts and grants with GambleAware. But from OHID’s funding pool, it received just over £4 million—still making it the top recipient on OHID’s list.
This means the charity (which runs the National Gambling Helpline) has to hope the NHS will cover the gap when it distributes the 50% of levy funds set aside for treatment, or find other sources of income.
In a LinkedIn post, BetBlocker CEO Duncan Garvie said: “I’m humbled that BetBlocker was approved for funding in this way.
“While we’re clearly thrilled to get this support and have our work recognized as worthy of funding, I feel the responsibility that comes with this grant.
“But even as I’m proud of this award, the past few weeks have been bittersweet. So many vital organizations—providing top-notch services—didn’t get funding. These choices have real-life impacts and could threaten the very existence of those groups.
“There’s nothing I can say to truly comfort the organizations in this situation. But I’m here to help. If there’s any way I or we can support our sector partners through this tough period, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
It’s still unclear what the future of safer gambling in the UK will fully entail, but the obvious shift in how gambling is perceived will probably frustrate many in the industry.
OHID’s approach could change how gambling is seen—from a pastime deeply ingrained in UK sports culture to a harmful product, treating it as inherently negative.
Industry collaboration once offered nuanced insights and understanding that were seen as key to effective protection. But it’s clear this is at risk of fading in the new funding landscape.
At the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, Jordan Lea, founder of DealMeOut, said: ‘Treatment providers need to be able to work with the industry impartially.’ He warned that the competition for funding has risked cutting off those who need help the most.
As the safer gambling ecosystem already faces significant losses, both sides need to soften their positions to best protect those most vulnerable to problem gambling.
In several ways, the funding and refreshed approach to sector education is a positive step—especially as younger audiences are increasingly exposed to gambling through multiple channels.
But nuance is crucial: the gambling industry is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach borrowed from other high-risk sectors won’t work effectively.
As the industry undergoes major changes, it’s essential to embrace collaboration with and expertise from the sector itself.
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