Commissioning
GambleAware is a charity and leading strategic commissioner. We use an outcomes-focused systematic commissioning process.
Strategic Commissioning
We are an independent charity working to reduce gambling harms, and the strategic commissioner of gambling harm prevention and treatment across Great Britain. By understanding and assessing the needs of the population and engaging with stakeholders, as well as people with lived experience, we determine priorities, allocate resources and develop commissioning outcomes.
Focused on better outcomes we:
- Procure a range of evidence-informed, high-quality services based on the needs of population
- Generate robust and independent evidence through our research, evaluation and monitoring functions
- Use robust governance processes or procurement, monitoring and evaluation
- Provide service users with the choice on when and how they access support
- Establish pilot and proof of concept services to prove what works best for people
- Deliver regular reports, public accountability and robust evaluation
Dual-funding policy
GambleAware has robust governance processes in place to guarantee independence from the gambling industry. It is vital this independence and separation from the gambling industry is reflected across all our commissioned activity. This is why GambleAware will not fund services, programmes or projects that are also funded by direct industry donations.
Whilst organisations we fund and work with are not prevented from applying for, or accepting industry funding, it is essential GambleAware is provided with complete assurance that there is clear separation of industry funding from its own. Our due diligence processes require the organisations we fund to provide assurances that they have robust governance processes in place to ensure that no cross funding occurs at the service, programme or project level. This requirement extends to organisational overheads.
How to apply for funding
Through an outcomes-focused systematic commissioning process, we define, prioritise and plan a range of interventions against specific outcomes. We will then consider the most appropriate route to market to enable delivery including contracting services, awarding grants, partnerships and co-production.
We do not consider ad-hoc funding requests. We welcome potential applicants to look on our website and social media channels for advertised opportunities of funding. The outcome of competitive processes will be published on our website.
If you wish to receive notification of tenders and funding rounds, please email us at info@gambleaware.org and request to be added to our procurement mailing list.
Procurement and Route to Market
We deliver activity through a range of routes to market. Find out more about our live funding rounds and tender opportunities.
Active Projects
| Contract name | Supplier |
| Researching Stigmatisation and Discrimination of People who Experience Gambling Harms in Great Britain | NatCen, University of Wolverhampton |
| Merged Surveys Annual Treatment and Support Survey & National Gambling Treatment Service Campaign Monitoring Survey | YouGov |
| Residential Rehabilitation for Complex/Co-morbid Clients | Adferiad Recovery |
| Geography of Gambling | University College London |
| PhD 2.0 programme | Queen Mary University of London, University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, University of Wolverhampton |
| Gambling Support Service Scotland | Citizens Advice Scotland |
| Primary Care Gambling Service | The Hurley Group |
| Lived Experience Capacity Building (GLEN) | Expert Link |
| Aftercare Funding Programme | ARA Recovery4all, Beacon Counselling Trust, GamCare, Epic Restart Foundation, Citizen's Advice Brighton & Hove, Citizen's Advice Wirral, ACTA, Cyrenians, Steps to Work, Veteran's Aid |
| Aftercare Fund Evaluation and Learning Partner | Ipsos |
| Academic Research Hub for the Prevention of Gambling Harms | University of Bristol |
| National Gambling Support Network Helpline | GamCare |
| National Gambling Support Network Partner Network Quality Assurance (System Co-ordinator) | GamCare |
| National Gambling Support Network | Adferiad Recovery, GamCare, Gordon Moody, NECA, BetKnowMore, ARA Recovery4All, Primary Care Gambling Service, Beacon Counselling Trust, Breakeven, RCA |
| Effective interventions for the treatment of gambling that is associated with harm: Scoping study | NatCen |
| Moblilising Local Systems Evaluation and Learning Partner | Tavistock |
| Safer Gambling Messaging Guidelines | Lucky Generals |
| Public Affairs Strategy Extension | WA Communications |
| Community Resilience Fund (Continuation funding) | Al Hurraya, Blackburn Foodbank, Big Issue, Coram's Fields, Epic Restart Foundation, Hull FC Community Foundation, Reframe Coaching, Shama Women's Centre, Yellow Scarf, Prison Radio Association, Simon Community Scotland |
| Scottish Gambling Education Hub | Fast Forward |
| Research: Minority Communities Lived Experience | Ipsos |
| Community Resilience Fund Evaluation | Ipsos |
| Data Reporting Framework | ViewIt |
| Inspection Regime Pilot Programme | Care Quality Commission |
| Affected, Lived Experience, Research, Treatment and Support (ALERTS) 2024/5 | ALERTS Community Interest Company |
| GambleAware Branding Research | Charity Index |
| GP Awareness Training | Royal College of General Practitioners |
| Deployment and Management Service | Data analytics platform Analytium |
Frameworks
| Framework | Supplier |
| Agency Framework Agreement | Flipside |
| Agency Framework Agreement | Lucky Generals |
| Agency Framework Agreement | OmniGov |
| Agency Framework Agreement | Freuds |
| Evaluation and Strategy Framework | Alma Economics, Apteligen Ltd, Clear Impact Consulting Ltd, Cordis Bright, Ecorys UK Ltd, Behavioural Insights Team, Europe Economics, Eden Stanley, Health Economics Unit, IFF Research, Ipsos, ICF Consulting Services Ltd, New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), Social Finance Ltd, NatCen (The National Centre for Social Research), The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, Myriad Research, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Rocket Science. |
| Brand and Advertising Framework | Alma Economics, Bournemouth University, BritainThinks, IFF Research, Ipsos, Kantar, SLS Insight & Planning Ltd |
Regulatory Settlement Funding
The Gambling Commission has allocated regulatory settlement funding to GambleAware in accordance with their Statement of Principles for determining financial penalties.
In keeping with the Gambling Commission’s Statement of Principles. we are uniquely placed to ensure the regulatory settlement funds are effectively distributed to reduce harm across England, Scotland and Wales. To date the funding from regulatory settlements to GambleAware has been used for specific, agreed purposes, helping to accelerate commissioning plans, including the reduction of inequalities, building capacity, improving knowledge and understanding of harms and raising awareness of the issue. The restricted funding has also played a part in stabilising the wider system of gambling harm prevention, support and treatment during the transition period from a voluntary to statutory levy system.
During the transition period until the statutory levy is introduced there is a need to ensure stability within the system. With this in mind, the Gambling Commission has agreed the regulatory settlement funding should be prioritised by GambleAware for system stabilisation to maintain programmes and infrastructure during the transition period until the statutory levy is implemented. GambleAware is required to provide the Gambling Commission with an annual report setting out the allocation of funds and outcomes achieved.
Regulatory Settlement Fund: Contracted projects
The following list provides information on current Regulatory Settlement funded projects. This information will be updated regularly.
| Project | Organisation(s) |
| System Stabilisation Fund 1.0 | YGAM |
| System Stabilisation Fund 1.0 | BetBlocker |
| System Stabilisation Fund 1.0 | Epic Restart Foundation |
| System Stabilisation Fund 1.0 | Gambling Harm UK |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | Reframe Coaching |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | YGAM |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | BetBlocker |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | Epic Restart Foundation |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | Beacon Counselling Trust |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | Gambling Harm UK |
| System Stabilisation Fund 2.0 | Gordon Moody |
| Mobilising Local Systems - Equipping systems with data | Parallel |
| Mobilising Local Systems - related data & evidence 2023/24 | Senate / Polimapper, OSCI, Ipsos |
| Regulation of gambling marketing scoping study | Ipsos |
| Inequalities Framework Stakeholders Mapping | Alma Economics Limited |
| Effective interventions for the treatment of gambling that is associated with harm: Scoping Study | NatCen Social Research |
| Gambling Harms Framework | University of Plymouth |
| LGBTQ+ Communities lived experience of gambling harms | The University of Brighton |
| LGBTQ+ Communities lived experience of gambling harms | YouGov |
| Self directed tools and strategies to prevent or reduce gambling harm | Behavioural Insights Team with Bournemouth University |
| Open Grants | University of Plymouth |
| Open Grants | IFF |
| Open Grants | NATCEN |
| Open Grants | Social Finance |
| Open Grants | Wolverhampton University |
| Improving Outcomes | Adferiad Recovery |
| Improving Outcomes | Age UK Lambeth |
| Improving Outcomes | Al-Hurraya |
| Improving Outcomes | Beacon Counselling Trust |
| Improving Outcomes | BetBlocker |
| Improving Outcomes | BetKnowMore UK |
| Improving Outcomes | RedCard |
| Improving Outcomes | Complete Woman CIC |
| Improving Outcomes | Coram's Field |
| Improving Outcomes | EPIC Restart Foundation |
| Improving Outcomes | Faith Forum for London |
| Improving Outcomes | Greater Govanhill Magazine |
| Improving Outcomes | IMO Charity |
| Improving Outcomes | Investing in People and Culture |
| Improving Outcomes | Money Advice Plus |
| Improving Outcomes | Recovery 4 All (ARA) |
| Improving Outcomes | Reframe Coaching |
| Improving Outcomes | Shama Women's Centre |
| Improving Outcomes | Simon Community Scotland |
| Improving Outcomes | Solihull Moors Foundation |
| Improving Outcomes | Surrey County Council |
| Improving Outcomes | The Flowhesion Foundation |
| Improving Outcomes | Yellow Scarf CIC |
| Improving Outcomes | YGAM |
| Improving Outcomes | Thrivin' Together |
Regulatory Settlement Fund: Existing and upcoming opportunities
This section will be regularly updated with information on existing and upcoming commissioning activities supported by this Regulatory Settlement funding. Funding opportunities include:
- System Stabilisation Fund - August & November 2023. Closed for applications
- Regulatory Settlement Funded Research - Closed for applications
- Improving Outcomes for Minority Communities and Women affected by gambling harm (formerly titled as Supporting System Innovations). Closed for applications
- Mobilising Local Systems Funding Programme (formerly titled as Demonstrator Sites) – Phase 1: February 2024 (closed for applications) & Phase 2: Funding window open between April — October 2024
Please find more information on each opportunity below:
1. System Stabilisation Fund - closed for applications
In keeping with the Gambling Commission’s Statement of Principles, funding from regulatory settlements to GambleAware will be used for specific, agreed purposes that accelerate our commissioning plans. One of the ways GambleAware is distributing these funds is through the System Stabilisation Fund. This fund is aimed at stabilising the system of gambling harm prevention, support, and treatment during the transition period from a voluntary to a statutory levy system. The fund is for organisations who have been impacted by the release of the white paper on gambling reform. This includes organisations whose funding has been disrupted, as well as organisations who are looking to proactively move away from industry funding. This funding is not intended to replace the voluntary donations funding model.
The table below details the outcome of the System Stabilisation Fund Round 1 - which was advertised in August 2023. The information includes the name of the successful applicants, the type of agreement award, the value that has been granted and start and end date of the grant agreement. One the agreement has ended there is not an option to extend past this date.
| Organisation | Value | Agreement Type | Start Date | Initial End Date |
| BetBlocker | £45,000.00 | Grant | 01/10/2023 | 31/03/2024 |
| EPIC Restart Foundation | £279,313.00 | Grant | 01/10/2023 | 31/03/2024 |
| Gambling Harm UK | £42,440.00 | Grant | 01/10/2023 | 31/03/2024 |
| YGAM | £1,500,000.00 | Grant | 01/10/2023 | 31/03/2024 |
2. Regulatory Settlement Funded Research
We will release funding on a rolling basis for a number of research opportunities. We anticipate the first call for proposals will be released by December 2023 of this financial year, and that research opportunities will include, for example: Scoping Studies, Open Call for Proposals and Primary Research Programmes.
Researching and developing a new framework of gambling related harm call for proposals - closed for applications
GambleAware has announced a primary research funding opportunity to build on the findings of our recently published scoping review. This research should build on existing literature to establish an ongoing framework and measurement tool of gambling harms. This will address existing issues of conflating harms and behaviours, and avoid the use of stigmatising labels and the discrimination this causes, particularly for marginalised or minoritised communities. Closed for applications.
Open call for proposals - closed for applications
GambleAware has announced an open call for proposals for research to build the understanding of gambling harm across Great Britain, with a particular focus on building knowledge and understanding focussing on communities who bear disproportionate burden of gambling harm. A total maximum of 8 research grants will be awarded to grantees, and the budget envelope for each research grant is £247,900 over 18 months. Closed for applications.
LGBTQ+ call for proposals - closed for applications
GambleAware has announced a primary research funding opportunity to build the understanding of gambling harms in the LGBTQ+ community. In particular, this programme will build the evidence base on the structural drivers of harm or barriers to accessing support faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The budget envelope for this research grant is £297,900 over 18 months. Closed for applications.
Self-directed tools and strategies call for proposals - closed for applications
GambleAware has announced a primary research funding opportunity to build on the findings of our recently published scoping review. This research should investigate and test the motivations, efficacy and use of self-directed tools and strategies amongst those who experience gambling-related harms, particularly for marginalised communities or other communities who face additional barriers to accessing treatment in GB. The budget envelope for this research grant is £297,900 over 18 months. Closed for applications.
3. Improving Outcomes for women and minority communities affected by gambling harm - closed for applications
The overall ambition of the fund is to reduce the inequalities which exist relating to gambling harm for women and people minority communities, including ethnic minority groups, religious minority groups and people who do not speak English as their first language.
In keeping with the Gambling Commission's Statement of Principles, funding from regulatory settlements to GambleAware is being used for specific, agreed purposes that accelerate our commissioning plans. One of the ways GambleAware is distributing these funds is through the Improving Outcomes Fund - recognising the increased levels of harm, burden and barriers in access to services which meet the needs of women and people from minority communities.
The table below details the outcome of the Improving Outcomes Fund - which was advertised from 13th December 2023 to 31st January 2024. The table includes the name of the successful applicant, the names of delivery partners (if applicable) and the grant awarded. A total of 25 grants were awarded through the Improving Outcomes Fund, as follows:
| Lead applicant | Delivery partner(s) | Grant amount |
Adferiad Recovery | N/A | £200,000 |
Age UK Lambeth | Primary Care Gambling Service | £300,000 |
Al-Hurraya | N/A | £150,000 |
ARA Recovery 4 All | Race Equality First | £299,480 |
Beacon Counselling Trust | Preston Muslim Forum & RAISE | £300,000 |
BetBlocker | Yellow Scarf | £56,000 |
BetKnowMore | Faith Forums for London | £150,000 |
Complete Woman CIC | NECA | £99,931 |
Coram's Field | N/A | £130,000 |
EPIC Restart Foundation | N/A | £264,674 |
Faiths Forum for London | BetKnowMore | £150,000 |
Greater Govanhill Magazine | N/A | £49,596 |
IMO Charity | N/A | £169,392 |
Investing in People and Culture | NECA | £150,202 |
Money Advice Plus | Breakeven & RISE | £299,981 |
Red Card | N/A | £50,000 |
Reframe Coaching | N/A | £100,745 |
Shama Women's Centre | Turning Point (Leicester) | £150,000 |
Simon Community Scotland | RCA Trust & Thrivin' Together | £289,595 |
Solihull Moors Foundation | N/A | £47,150 |
Surrey County Council | GamCare & VCSE organisations | £299,434 |
The Flowhesion Foundation | N/A | £118,168 |
Thrivin' Together | N/A | £125,652 |
Yellow Scarf CIC | Midlands Migrant Support Centre | £100,000 |
YGAM | N/A | £300,000 |
4. Mobilising Local Systems Funding Programme
One of GambleAware’s strategic priorities is to transform capacity and capability by collaborating with public and voluntary sector organisations across England, Scotland, and Wales to support growth of an integrated system to prevent and reduce gambling harms.
The ‘Mobilising Local Systems’ (MLS) programme was established in 2022, and aims to support the continued development of an integrated system: ensuring that organisations, at a local and regional level, can deliver preventative interventions, support early identification of gambling harms, deliver holistic support and treatment, as well as ensuring people are able to live in communities that support their ongoing recovery.
As part of the wider MLS programme, GambleAware has developed the MLS Funding Programme, which consists of two phases.
Phase 1 of the funding programme (now closed for applications) was aimed at supporting opportunities within the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) to build collaborative ways of working with stakeholders across each region to help create a more integrated approach to gambling harms. These awards of up to £30K were agreed in March 2024.
Phase 2 of the MLS Funding Programme will provide a funding opportunity for NGSN Regional Boards to develop new approaches which lead to improved integration within local systems. The overall aim is to enable more people experiencing gambling harms to access support and treatment in a way that best meets their needs.
Each of the 10 Regional Boards across Great Britain can apply for up to £100,000 via one of the NGSN regional providers. This should be used to support the delivery of a collaborative project to reduce gambling harm.