GambleAware is calling for applications for a system stabilisation fund, following the Gambling Commission’s decision to allocate regulatory settlement funding to the charity.

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. 

The funding will be for the 2023/24 financial year up until 31st March 2024, as a short-term measure to stabilise the existing system. The first application round will open on 7 August 2023 and close on 21 August. Organisations will learn if their applications have been successful in mid-September 2023. GambleAware also intend to have a second funding round which will open on 6 November 2023 and close on 20 November.      

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.”