GambleAware Secures Temporary RET Levy Funding Amid Concerns for Welsh Services

Uncertainty continues to surround the long-term distribution of funds raised by the incoming research, education and treatment (RET) levy, with many in the gambling harm reduction sector calling for greater clarity, particularly regarding how smaller organisations will be supported.

One detail has now been confirmed in Wales. Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, has announced that GambleAware will receive temporary financial support during the first year of the new levy’s rollout.

“Up to £11 million of the £100 million expected to be raised annually by the levy will be used to support GambleAware through the transitional period,” said Murphy, adding: “It does not represent a continued funding commitment to GambleAware.”

The decision has been made jointly by NHS England and the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland. The funding will come from the 50% of levy proceeds earmarked for treatment.

The move is designed to offer short-term reassurance to services currently funded by GambleAware, such as Welsh-based organisations Adferiad and Ara, which play a vital role in delivering frontline support.

David Lovell, Founder of DragonBet, a proud Welsh bookmaker, welcomed the announcement while urging decision-makers to keep smaller regional charities front of mind during the transition:

“We’ve always been committed to supporting responsible gambling and compliance, but the real impact happens through organisations like Adferiad and Ara. These are people on the ground in Wales doing essential work. Tt’s critical that they’re not left behind as the levy system evolves.”

The future of GambleAware’s role has been the subject of much debate, particularly after the Gambling Commission carried out an investigation into its relationship with industry funders. The regulator found no wrongdoing, stating it was:

“Satisfied that the charity’s reliance on industry funding does not impact on decision-making about its activities.”

However, GambleAware does not fund any services or projects that also receive direct donations from the gambling industry. This restriction could become problematic if the levy reduces the amount of overall funding the charity receives, leaving smaller organisations with fewer options for financial support.

Without clarity or flexibility, some groups could be left unable to access GambleAware funding and simultaneously unable to accept direct industry donations without jeopardising their perceived independence or existing relationships.

For now, the transitional funding offers breathing space, but many in the sector believe urgent clarity is needed to ensure long-term sustainability for charities working at the heart of gambling harm prevention.