Government sets out provisional allocations for gambling harm prevention and treatment funding

The government has released provisional allocations for its new VCSE sector gambling harms prevention and resilience fund, outlining more than £25.4 million in indicative grants for 33 organisations delivering gambling harm prevention and early intervention across England. The allocations cover 2026–27 and 2027–28 and remain subject to final grant agreements, with officials noting that amounts may change as agreements are finalised.

The fund is administered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and forms part of the prevention element of the statutory levy on gambling operators. It is designed to strengthen the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector’s capacity to deliver independent, evidence‑based gambling harm prevention. Applicants were required to confirm they would not receive direct industry funding after 1 April 2026, and to review any materials previously developed with industry or GambleAware support. A separate £12 million allocation has also been made to upper‑tier local authorities for local prevention activity in 2026–27.

A total of £25,441,281 has been earmarked for 33 organisations, including national providers such as GamCare (£4.04m), YGAM (£3m) and Betknowmore (£2.99m), alongside regional and specialist groups such as Citizens Advice services, youth organisations, women’s charities and culturally specific support networks. These allocations remain provisional until grant agreements are completed.

Insights from this funding round will inform future prevention strategy, with further funding expected for 2027–28. NHS England is also administering a separate VCSE grant programme focused specifically on treatment for gambling harms.