UK Gambling Levy Board to improve research and treatment

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has released detailed information regarding the operations of the new Gambling Levy Programme Board. The announcement includes comprehensive Terms of Reference, clarifying how the board will function and how funds derived from the mandatory gambling levy, effective from April, will be allocated. This development represents a significant restructuring of the governance of gambling-related research, prevention and treatment (RPT) in the United Kingdom.

The Gambling Levy Programme Board is designed to bring together central government departments with representatives from the Scottish and Welsh administrations. Its creation reflects a broader government objective to ensure that commissioning bodies align with national priorities in research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harms. By centralizing oversight, the board aims to improve accountability, transparency and the overall impact of levy funding.

Purpose and objectives of the board

The primary objective of the Gambling Levy Programme Board is to ensure that commissioned activities achieve government goals in addressing gambling-related harm. This encompasses strengthening research into gambling behaviors and patterns, expanding prevention initiatives targeting at-risk populations and supporting effective treatment for those experiencing gambling problems.

The board functions as a formal forum to track progress and performance across multiple government departments. One of the motivations behind its creation is the recognition that levy funding spans a wide range of governmental responsibilities, including health, education, research and social welfare. By establishing a collective oversight mechanism, the board can monitor the overall effectiveness of levy spending and ensure it is aligned with strategic priorities.

Despite this centralized oversight, specific decisions on expenditure programs remain with individual commissioning organisations appointed by the relevant department. This structure aims to combine centralized accountability with operational flexibility, allowing expert bodies to manage resources effectively within their domains.

Membership and leadership structure

The Gambling Levy Programme Board is composed of ten members, each appointed because of their institutional roles within the levy system rather than in a personal capacity. This structure emphasizes the board’s focus on collective responsibility and professional expertise rather than individual representation.

The board is chaired by Ben Dean, DCMS director for sport and gambling, who is supported by Julie Carney, deputy director for gambling and lotteries. Their leadership reflects the department’s commitment to structured oversight and professional governance.

While the board itself monitors and advises on funding priorities, ultimate statutory responsibility for implementing the levy remains with the DCMS under Section 123 of the Gambling Act 2005. Final approval of levy allocations rests with the Secretary of State, currently Lisa Nandy or the minister responsible for gambling policy, Fiona Twycross, with oversight from HM Treasury. The Treasury’s role as a joint approver provides fiscal scrutiny, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and within the legal framework of government financial management.

Commissioning responsibilities across departments

Operational responsibility for commissioning activities is distributed across specialist government departments, reflecting the diverse areas impacted by gambling-related harm.

Treatment and public health: The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) oversees treatment initiatives, with NHS England acting as the treatment commissioner. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) leads on prevention strategies, including public education campaigns and early intervention programs.

Research: Responsibility for research activities falls under the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which sponsors UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This ensures that research is evidence-based and aligned with national innovation strategies, contributing to a robust understanding of gambling behavior, risk factors and effective interventions.

Devolved administrations: Scotland and Wales retain authority over prevention and treatment spending within their jurisdictions. This approach respects devolved powers in health and education while maintaining alignment with national strategic objectives.

By distributing responsibilities across departments and administrations, the government intends to leverage expertise in each area while maintaining cohesive oversight through the board.

Transition from GambleAware

The Gambling Levy Programme Board also marks the end of an era for GambleAware, the charity that historically managed RPT activities funded by voluntary donations from the gaming industry. GambleAware’s operations are scheduled to cease by March and its responsibilities will be transferred to statutory bodies operating under the new levy framework.

This transition represents a significant shift in the governance of gambling harm prevention and treatment. The move from a voluntary funding model to a statutory levy ensures that RPT initiatives are consistently funded, transparent and accountable to government oversight rather than relying on contributions from industry participants. It also aligns with broader government objectives to strengthen public trust in the regulation of gambling-related support services.

Expected impact on research, prevention and treatment

The establishment of the Gambling Levy Programme Board is expected to have a profound impact on research, prevention and treatment for gambling-related harm. By centralizing oversight, the government can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, that programs are evidence-based and that outcomes are measurable.

In research, this centralized funding model allows for strategic long-term studies into gambling behavior, risk factors and the effectiveness of interventions. It provides UKRI and other research organizations with predictable funding streams, enabling the development of comprehensive studies that could inform policy, treatment protocols and public health strategies.

For prevention, coordinated funding and oversight will allow campaigns to be more targeted and effective. Programs can focus on high-risk populations and utilize data-driven approaches to reduce gambling-related harm. This could include education initiatives in schools, public awareness campaigns and interventions tailored to communities most affected by gambling.

Treatment services are also likely to benefit. By aligning NHS England and OHID efforts, patients experiencing gambling harm will have access to better integrated care pathways, timely interventions and evidence-based therapies. The board’s oversight ensures that treatment services meet national standards and can adapt to emerging trends in gambling behaviors, including online and digital gambling.

Governance and accountability mechanisms

Governance and accountability are central to the board’s function. Members are collectively responsible for monitoring the levy’s effectiveness and ensuring that funding aligns with government priorities. They review progress reports, track performance metrics and provide strategic recommendations to ensure that levy funds are used effectively.

While the board does not control individual expenditure decisions, it plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability across departments and administrations. This includes reviewing financial reports, assessing program outcomes and identifying opportunities for improvement.

By establishing formal governance structures, the government aims to reduce inefficiencies, avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that public funds are used in ways that maximize social benefit.

Future outlook

Looking forward, the Gambling Levy Programme Board represents a strategic effort to enhance the UK’s approach to gambling harm. Its creation signals the government’s commitment to evidence-based policy, cross-departmental collaboration and strong oversight of public funds.

As the board assumes responsibility for guiding RPT activities, stakeholders across government, health services, research institutions and community organizations will need to coordinate closely. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that initiatives are effective, sustainable and responsive to the evolving landscape of gambling in the UK.

The cessation of GambleAware operations further emphasizes the government’s intent to consolidate funding, streamline governance and ensure that all initiatives are accountable to statutory oversight rather than voluntary contributions. This model may serve as a framework for other sectors where voluntary funding has previously played a dominant role but lacked centralized oversight and accountability.

Conclusion

The launch of the Gambling Levy Programme Board represents a landmark step in the UK’s regulation of gambling-related research, prevention and treatment. By centralizing oversight, distributing operational responsibilities across specialist departments and consolidating funding into a statutory framework, the government aims to ensure that levy funds are used effectively and transparently.

The board’s work will influence research agendas, prevention campaigns and treatment programs across England, Scotland and Wales, fostering a more coordinated and evidence-based approach to tackling gambling-related harm. By strengthening governance, improving accountability and promoting collaboration, the Gambling Levy Programme Board is positioned to play a key role in enhancing public health outcomes and protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling-related risks.

FAQs

What is the Gambling Levy Programme Board?
The board is a government body overseeing the allocation of funds from the mandatory gambling levy for research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.

Who chairs the Gambling Levy Programme Board?
Ben Dean, DCMS director for sport and gambling, chairs the board with support from Julie Carney, deputy director for gambling and lotteries.

Why was the board created?
The board was created to centralize oversight, monitor levy effectiveness and ensure alignment with government objectives across multiple departments.

What is the role of DCMS in the levy?
DCMS holds ultimate statutory responsibility for implementing the levy, including final approval of fund allocations.

How are funds for treatment and prevention distributed?
The Department of Health and Social Care oversees treatment, NHS England delivers services and OHID manages prevention efforts.

What is UKRI's role in the levy?
UKRI, sponsored by DSIT, is responsible for conducting and funding research into gambling behaviors and effective interventions.

Will GambleAware continue operating?
No, GambleAware will cease operations by March as statutory bodies take over its responsibilities.

How does the board work with devolved administrations?
Scotland and Wales manage prevention and treatment spending within their regions, while the board ensures overall alignment with UK priorities.

What is the expected impact of the board?
The board aims to improve efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of research, prevention and treatment programs.

Who provides fiscal oversight of the levy?
HM Treasury acts as a joint approver, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and in line with financial regulations.