GamCare Thanks GambleAware and Prepares for Reform

The UK’s gambling harm support landscape is entering a major transition—and one of its cornerstone partnerships is ending.

With GambleAware set to close by March 2026, GamCare, the national helpline provider, has expressed gratitude for years of partnership and now faces a new future under direct government oversight.

GamCare is committed to continuing its crucial work. But with uncertainty over future funding, the organisation is already seeking clarity from NHS England and devolved administrations.

Let’s explore what this transition means for GamCare, the broader gambling harm support network, and the players who rely on it.

Key Points:

• GamCare thanks GambleAware and reaffirms commitment to the National Gambling Helpline.
• GambleAware will officially close in March 2026, as commissioning transitions to the UK Government.
• GamCare now seeks meetings with NHS and government departments to secure its future role and funding.

GamCare Says Farewell to GambleAware and Looks Ahead in a Reformed Gambling Support Era

As someone who’s worked closely with safer gambling initiatives for over 20 years, I know firsthand how critical continuity and trust are in this space. When GambleAware announced it would wind down by March 2026, I wasn’t shocked—but I was reminded that even long-established support networks are vulnerable during reform.

For GamCare, the organisation behind the National Gambling Helpline, this is a pivotal moment.

A Thank You and a Transition

GamCare’s tribute to GambleAware was heartfelt and respectful. They recognized the group’s “dedication and commitment over many years” and acknowledged its role in funding prevention, treatment, and education across the UK’s gambling ecosystem.

It’s worth noting: GamCare has been primarily funded by GambleAware under the National Gambling Support Network. With GambleAware stepping aside, the responsibility for commissioning services moves to the UK Government and NHS England, underpinned by the newly introduced statutory RET levy.

What’s at Stake?

Here’s where the industry—and frankly, the public—needs to pay attention.

The RET levy is meant to ensure stable, long-term funding for gambling harms support. But there’s still no clear roadmap on which organisations will receive funding, how funding decisions will be made, or what criteria will be used to measure outcomes.

GamCare has understandably said it will urgently seek meetings with NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and counterparts in Scotland and Wales. That’s not just strategic—it’s essential. The helpline remains a lifeline for at-risk and recovering gamblers across the UK.

Let’s not forget: in 2023, GambleAware received just over £24 million in voluntary donations, its lowest total since 2021. This year, it will receive a maximum of £11 million during the transition—a one-off agreement.

That sudden drop in funding raises questions about continuity, staff retention, service delivery, and most importantly, support for those who need help right now.

Why GamCare’s Role Still Matters

GamCare isn’t just a helpline. It’s a frontline support system that bridges clinical care, social intervention, and personal recovery. Its staff are trained to offer non-judgmental, confidential advice and referrals, often at critical moments in someone’s gambling journey.

In a landscape now shifting toward centralised public health management, GamCare can and should play a critical role. But to do that, it needs clarity, funding security, and partnership from the new government commissioners.

This isn’t about preserving legacy institutions—it’s about ensuring people in crisis aren’t left behind.

In my view, the closure of GambleAware signals a historic shift in how the UK approaches gambling harms, and GamCare’s response shows both gratitude and resilience.

As funding structures change and new players enter the commissioning space, one thing must remain non-negotiable: the continued operation of high-impact services like the National Gambling Helpline.

GamCare has shown it’s ready to adapt—but now it’s up to NHS England and the UK Government to ensure that commitment is matched with action, resources, and long-term support.

Because in this transition, it’s not organisations at stake—it’s people.