Exclusive: GamCare and Gordon Moody urge government action on funding crisis

Summary

Two leading UK gambling-harms charities, GamCare and Gordon Moody, have issued a joint plea to the government and stakeholders to resolve urgent funding uncertainty caused by the chaotic rollout of the new statutory levy. The chairs — Margot Daly (GamCare) and Claire Arnold (Gordon Moody) — warn that vital services are at risk as interim funding ends and the timetable for levy disbursement remains unclear.

Key Points

GamCare and Gordon Moody have jointly called for immediate government action to end funding uncertainty for gambling harms services.
Together the organisations supported more than 50,000 people last year; 80% who completed specialist programmes went on to live gambling-free lives.
Current funding routed via GambleAware is certain to stop in April 2026, and a short-term System Stabilisation Fund will end in March 2026.
The statutory levy replaces voluntary contributions, but charities say there is confusion over how much will be available, when it will be distributed, and how commissioning will work.
Responsibilities under the new system are split: UKRI for research, OHID for prevention, and the NHS for treatment — but only the research element has detailed guidance so far.
Charities were initially briefed that levy funds might arrive by October; many now expect payments to be delayed until at least the new year.
Smaller third-sector providers face immediate insolvency risks if funding gaps persist; larger organisations also find prolonged uncertainty unsustainable.

Content summary

The chairs stress the real-world consequences: daily frontline work with people affected by gambling harm, including support via helplines, outpatient care, intensive residential therapy and round-the-clock services. They say the evolving landscape demands rapid clarity so existing services are not left to wither while the new levy system beds in. The article also notes that GambleAware’s System Stabilisation Fund used settlement proceeds as a stopgap, but that funding stream is due to end alongside other transitions.

Context and relevance

This call comes amid wider reporting that multiple charities are on the brink of collapse because of levy rollout disarray. The split of responsibilities across UKRI, OHID and the NHS is intended to professionalise research, prevention and treatment, but the practical commissioning arrangements and timing are not yet clear to providers. For anyone involved in public health, third-sector commissioning, gambling regulation or social care, the outcome of these funding decisions will directly affect service continuity and access to treatment.

Author style

Punchy: This is an urgent, sector-defining moment. The joint statement from two heavyweight charities amps up the pressure on ministers — the article flags concrete dates and real risks rather than abstract policy debate.

Why should I read this?

Look — if you care about whether people can actually get help for gambling harm, this matters. The piece cuts through the policy noise and shows how funding delays map straight onto closed beds, fewer helpline hours and charities teetering on insolvency. Save yourself the digging: it explains who’s meant to pay for what, when current cash runs out, and why ministers need to act now.