Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to help ensure the continuity of the (a) National Gambling Helpline and (b) other national gambling harms charities.

The introduction of the new statutory levy on gambling operators, which came into effect in April 2025, guarantees independent, sustainable funding for the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.

The Government recognises the important role national gambling harm charities play in providing help and support for those experiencing gambling-related harms. To ensure the continuity of these services during the transition to the levy system, GambleAware will continue to commission existing treatment and support services until 31 March 2026.

From 1 April 2026, NHS England will assume responsibility for commissioning the full gambling harms treatment pathway in England. Organisations, including those who operate the National Gambling Helpline, will be permitted to apply for ringfenced levy funding, provided they comply with the stated eligibility requirements. NHS England is actively working to confirm future commissioning arrangements and is committed to keeping stakeholders informed, with a further update expected in November.

The Office for Improvement and Disparities, as the prevention commissioner for England under the levy, intends to launch a competitive grant process for 2026/27 to provide funding for the voluntary sector to deliver effective prevention activity. Further details will be confirmed in November 2025.