GambleAware opens applications for gambling harms System Stabilisation Fund

GambleAware is calling for applications for a system stabilisation fund, following the Gambling Commission’s decision to allocate regulatory settlement funding to the charity¹. The Gambling Commission and GambleAware have agreed to ringfence a proportion of the funding to help stabilise the system of gambling harm prevention, support and treatment.

The financial support available is designed to help organisations across England, Scotland and Wales whose funding streams have been disrupted by the intention to introduce a statutory levy as announced in the Government’s Gambling White Paper.

In keeping with GambleAware’s robust governance processes and commissioning expertise, funding applications will be prioritised in line with GambleAware’s Strategic Framework. Organisations will need to demonstrate they meet one or more of its five outcomes: 

• Increase the awareness and understanding of the risks of gambling and its harm across the general population.  
• Prevent gambling harm amongst individuals and communities at greater risk of experiencing it. 
• Prevent the escalation of gambling harm. 
• Ensure individuals and communities receive a broad range of appropriate services. 
• Reduce the legacy of gambling harm. 

In addition, all applications will need to demonstrate the following: 

• Evidence of need  
• Delivery model and approach 
• Potential outcomes and impact 
• Value for money 
• Sustainability 

The first round of funding was for the 2023/24 financial year up until 31st March 2024, as a short-term measure to stabilise the existing system. The second round will support projects for the 2024/25 financial year up until 31st March 2025 as a medium term measure. The second round opened for applications on 6 November 2023 and will close on 4th December 2023. The first application round opened on 7 August 2023 and closed on 21 August. 

The funding will only support frontline services based in Great Britain which are directly delivering to individuals affected or at risk of gambling harm. The fund is for the continuation of current projects, not new areas of delivery, and projects which include an element of charging or payment for services are not eligible. The funding is not intended to replace the existing voluntary construct but to ensure that charitable organisations are protected during a time of some uncertainty. 

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware Chief Executive, said: “We welcome plans for a statutory levy as outlined in the Government’s Gambling White Paper and look forward to its swift implementation. However, this has led to a period of change as industry and the gambling harms research, prevention and treatment sector prepare to transition to the proposed levy. 

“Our role as strategic commissioner across the sector means we are able to apply a single overview of the system. With this oversight, we and the Gambling Commission, recognise the uncertainty across the sector, and the need to ensure current projects can continue without any risk of experiencing a funding shortfall.” 

Find out more about the funding and how to apply 

ENDS

Notes to editor

1.    The Gambling Commission allocated regulatory settlement funding to GambleAware in accordance with their Statement of Principles for determining financial penalties.

About GambleAware

• GambleAware is the leading independent charity (Charity No. England & Wales 1093910, Scotland SC049433) and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention and treatment across Great Britain to keep people safe from gambling harms. 
• GambleAware commissions the National Gambling Support Network (NSGN) which provides, free confidential treatment, as well as the National Gambling Helpline which takes around 42,000 calls a year. 
• The charity is independent and evidence-based, with a robust governance process in place to ensure the industry has absolutely no input or influence on our work.
• Gambling harms can affect anyone, and not just those who gamble, but also their families and communities. These harms particularly affect communities that already face inequality.