The system is designed to help organizations in England, Scotland, and Wales facing funding disruptions due to plans for a statutory levy. The grants are funded through ring-fenced regulatory settlement funds from the Commission, aiming to stabilize existing gambling harm prevention, support, and treatment projects.
The statutory levy, proposed in the government’s gambling white paper, requires operators to pay a mandatory fee to the Commission. This fee will support research, education, and treatment for gambling harms, replacing the current voluntary arrangement.
Organizations can now apply for funds by demonstrating commitment to GambleAware’s strategic framework outcomes, including increasing awareness and understanding of gambling risks, preventing harm and harm escalation, providing services to individuals and communities, and reducing the legacy of gambling harm.
Applicants must also show evidence of need, delivery model and approach, potential outcomes and impact, value for money, and long-term sustainability. The funding will cover the financial year 2023-24 until March 31, 2024, as a short-term measure to stabilize the existing system.
The application process consists of two rounds, with the first round taking place from August 7-12 and successful applicants being notified by mid-September. The second round will occur from November 6-20.
GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond welcomes the plans for a statutory levy and looks forward to its swift implementation. However, the transition to the proposed levy has created uncertainty within the industry and the gambling harms research, prevention, and treatment sector. GambleAware, as the strategic commissioner, aims to provide a single overview of the system and work with the Gambling Commission to ensure current projects can continue without funding shortfalls.
