Gambling levy to reduce gambling-related harms in Wales

The Welsh Government has outlined how it will use its share of the UK’s new statutory gambling levy to combat gambling-related harms.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy MS, confirmed that Wales will receive approximately £5 million annually from the levy, which came into effect on 6 April 2025 and is expected to generate around £100 million each year across Great Britain.

Funds from the levy will be allocated to three key areas: research, prevention, and treatment. The research component, worth about £20 million annually across the UK, will be overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which will collaborate with Welsh Government officials and Public Health Wales to ensure Wales is fairly represented. UKRI has already announced major opportunities under this strand, including the launch of the Gambling Harms Research Coordination Centre.

For prevention and treatment initiatives within Wales, Public Health Wales and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement have been appointed as lead coordinators respectively. These bodies have already begun developing tailored pathways and interventions to address gambling harm. To ensure transparency and oversight, the UK Government has established a Gambling Levy Programme Board with representation from all three nations and a supporting advisory structure for commissioning bodies.

Transitional funding arrangements have also been put in place for GambleAware, which previously relied on voluntary industry donations. Up to £11 million will be allocated in 2025–26 from the treatment budget across the UK to support GambleAware and maintain the stability of the National Gambling Support Network. However, the Minister emphasised that this is a one-off commitment and not indicative of ongoing funding beyond the current financial year.

Sarah Murphy MS pledged to provide further updates in the autumn as Wales continues its efforts to deliver independent, well-funded services that reduce gambling harm and support those affected.