The money will enable the National Gambling Helpline to provide advice and brief interventions to more people (£705,000), while £435,000 will provide access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where this is clinically appropriate.

A similar amount (£438,000) will develop peer support so that those recovering from gambling addiction can help others to access treatment and aftercare, while the lion share – £2,35m – will go towards expanding the provision of face-to-face treatment services in England, Scotland and Wales.

These GambleAware and GamCare initiatives will be funded immediately and supplement other developments that have already been announced, such as work with Adfam to improve support for those affected by the gambling of others, and a major investment to open the NHS Northern Gambling Clinic.

Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware, said: “Today’s announcement reflects a commitment by GambleAware to take a strategic approach to commissioning treatment services, to give people the help that they need to tackle the hidden addiction of problem gambling, and to improve the quality of life for them and their families.

“This significant expansion of the existing National Gambling Treatment Service demonstrates the shared commitment between GambleAware and GamCare, as commissioner and prime provider respectively, to make a real difference to people’s lives, by reducing barriers to treatment and increasing the capacity in the treatment system.”

Anna Hemmings, chief executive of GamCare, added: “GamCare is delighted to have developed a collaborative approach with GambleAware to support the expansion of the National Gambling Treatment Service. This funding will mean we can introduce broader accessibility, availability and choice for those harmed by gambling.

“With it, we will be able to reach larger numbers of people in more locations nationally, offering a wider range of services including both online and peer support alongside our existing treatment provision,” she said.

“GamCare and its network of regional partners provide services which significantly improve the quality of life of those harmed by gambling, and we will continue to develop our services to ensure that they can grow sustainably and offer the right support at the right time to as many people as possible.”

GambleAware announced last week that it had received £7.3m in one-off regulatory settlements that will allow the charity to plan to spend significantly more than the £10m it seeks each year from the gambling industry through voluntary donations in the short term.

Trustees anticipate that GambleAware’s actions to help deliver the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will require a significant increase in funding for core services from April, 2020, over and above the investment announced today.

Read Sean’s story here (second part here), as CasinoBeats speaks to a recovering problem gambler

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Nevertheless, the organisation noted that while it will no longer provide new Safer Gambling Standard services to the industry, it “remains committed to reducing gambling harm” and no other services, including the National Gambling Helpline, will be affected by the change.

Launched in 2019 and accredited by UKAS, the Safer Gambling Standard is an independent quality standard that evaluates gambling companies’ measures to protect people from gambling-related harm.

In December last year, GamCare’s board decided that the time was right for the Safer Gambling Standard to continue its work outside of the organisation under a different structure.

A strategic review was then initiated to find a new home for the Safer Gambling Standard.

However, despite in-depth discussions with many organisations, the organisation noted that it wasn’t able to secure an appropriate new home for these services.

As a result, GamCare will be ceasing its Safer Gambling operation by the end of 2024.

In a statement on its website, GamCare emphasised that it will continue to provide support to those who are struggling with gambling and those affected by someone else’s gambling.

“Our core focus at GamCare will continue to be the provision of high-quality, accessible support to the thousands of people who come through our services each year, both those who are struggling with gambling directly as well as those who are affected by someone else’s gambling. 

“All of GamCare’s work is focused on the reduction of gambling harms, as it has been for 27 years.”

Last month, GamCare announced that it was offering additional confidential, supportive and non-judgmental spaces for people affected by gambling-related harms with the introduction of night chatrooms.

“The launch of night chatrooms is an essential step in providing around-the-clock support for those impacted by gambling harm,” said Samantha Turton, Head of Remote Support Services at GamCare.

“Nighttime can often be particularly challenging for individuals, with feelings of isolation or distress increasing. By offering these chatrooms during late hours, we’re ensuring that people can access support, connect with others and find a safe space whenever they need it most.”

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Available every Tuesday between 1am and 2am, the gambling support charity has stated that the night chatrooms will provide more accessible support at night in a moderated, safe and friendly environment to individuals affected by gambling-related harm.

GamCare noted that the night chatrooms will offer individuals, affected by their own gambling or supporting someone else, an opportunity to “connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through” to receive and share support, advice and information.

The night chatrooms will be moderated by an experienced GamCare advisor to ensure a respectful and empathetic environment, guiding conversations and providing resources.

GamCare added that the night chatrooms will provide meaningful conversations about personal experiences, coping strategies and available resources, helping people gain new perspectives and find practical advice, in addition to building a supportive community with others navigating similar challenges.

“The launch of night chatrooms is an essential step in providing around-the-clock support for those impacted by gambling harm,” commented Samantha Turton, Head of Remote Support Services at GamCare.

“Nighttime can often be particularly challenging for individuals, with feelings of isolation or distress increasing. By offering these chatrooms during late hours, we’re ensuring that people can access support, connect with others and find a safe space whenever they need it most.”

Registration is required for those wishing to participate in the night chatrooms. Once registered, the chatroom will be visible on GamCare’s chatroom page for people to drop in at any time after 1am.

Individuals will be asked for a username when registering, but GamCare highlighted that a real name or any identifier as a username isn’t necessary, as this is the name that is publicly displayed whilst messaging in the chatroom.

GamCare will ask individuals for their first name and email when they sign up, but this information can only be accessed by the charity’s team and will not be displayed publicly, allowing users to remain anonymous in the chatroom and on the GamCare forum, as well as allow access to MyGamCare.

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In this role, Roseblade will work across the gambling support charity to deliver its priorities and mission, overseeing its annual governance programme and operational delivery, processes and ways of working. 

She will also help to develop strong relationships and partnerships to support those affected by gambling harm.

Previously, Roseblade spent four years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team, which includes its dedicated Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme. 

Commenting on her new role, Roseblade said: “In my four years at GamCare, I have seen the vital work our dedicated staff deliver for those who need our support. Not just through our Helpline and Treatment services, but our many impactful prevention and education programmes.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with GamCare’s staff and Board to support the charity as we enter a new chapter for gambling support services in the UK.”

Since April 2020 under Roseblade’s leadership, the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme has delivered workshops to 133,000 young people and 28,000 professionals.

The programme works in close partnership with regional support providers, offering high-quality support services, participation and digital information.

Before joining GamCare, Roseblade worked at Cancer Research UK in various positions, including supporting the charity’s international operations, strategy and philanthropic arm.

“I am delighted to welcome Alexa as our new Chief of Staff, following on from her important work in our Children and Young People’s services and helping develop GamCare into the charity it is today,” stated Margot Daly, Executive Chair at GamCare.

“I look forward to Alexa’s expertise in supporting GamCare’s Board – and our leadership team – to continue delivering towards our mission of reducing gambling harms in the UK.”

GamCare’s appointment of Roseblade as Chief of Staff follows the recent announcement of Tim Hodgetts as the charity’s new Director of Clinical Operators, effective from August 2024.

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As Clinical Operations Director, Hodgetts will work closely with the leadership team of the gambling support charity, taking responsibility for strategic oversight and all operational management of its clinical and support services.

GamCare’s clinical and support services includes the National Gambling Helpline and online support, regional treatment services, as well as prevention and education programmes. 

“I’m delighted to be joining GamCare and supporting the team to deliver its priorities,” commented Hodgetts on his new role. 

“The opportunity to lead and support the organisation to continue delivering high-quality, personalised, support services, including the National Gambling Helpline – outstanding of its kind – that ensure the best possible outcomes for people experiencing gambling harm, is why I was attracted to the role. 

“I’m excited to work closely with existing partners, the NHS, and government, and to establish new relationships to help shape the future of prevention, education and treatment within the gambling harms space.” 

Bringing over 22 years of health and social care experience to the gambling support charity, Hodgetts previously held senior leadership positions at the NHS. 

Most recently, he was responsible for managing and leading Dorset County healthcare services – integrating health, social care services and voluntary organisations to align with the National NHS objectives. 

As Deputy Director for Integrated Care Services with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, Hodgetts was responsible for all aspects of quality improvement and monitoring, risk management safeguarding, as well as financial and performance management. 

He also helped to transform its urgent care services to become the best-performing in the country. 

Margot Daly, Chair at GamCare, noted: “I am delighted to welcome Tim, whose significant expertise, knowledge, and insights will be invaluable to the clinical leadership of the GamCare team. I look forward to making further senior appointments in due course.” 

Last month, following the publication of its ‘Business banking, debt and gambling harm’ report, GamCare updated its guidance to the British banking sector on highlighting and preventing gambling-related financial harms impacting their clients’ businesses.

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It comes as the problem-gambling treatment support charity published its “Business banking, debt and gambling harm” report, which tapped into the insights gained from workshops and research on gambling-related financial harms.

The latest guidance underlines that banks should maximise data resources to better understand the scale of gambling harm across business accounts and analyse how to foresee and prevent such financial issues.

It was also detailed that banks should block gambling transactions on business accounts. The report specifically points out that while only a small number of business bank account providers, such as Monzo and Tide, currently block gambling transactions by default, and some others, like Santander and NatWest, offer an opt-in gambling block at the customer’s request, more firms need to adopt this practice.

Banks should assess the risks of allowing gambling transactions on business accounts and consider standard blocking, similar to the measures taken for credit cards and under-18 accounts.

Furthermore, the report advocates for enhanced transaction monitoring to identify gambling harm. Some retail banks in the UK have begun to monitor data to detect unaffordable gambling and proactively contact customers to offer help and support, but this practice is not yet common in business banking.

Data from PayPlan and the Business Debtline further supports the report’s findings, showing that business owners and self-employed individuals affected by gambling often face heightened levels of debt and financial strain.

Dawn Jennings, Information Officer at the Business Debtline, provided a poignant summary of the impact of gambling on businesses: “For some of our clients, gambling had put their business under extra financial strain, making it more difficult for them to trade. For others, it has simply led to the closure of their business.”

GamCare calls on the business banking sector to take proactive steps in raising awareness, monitoring transactions, and intervening to support customers experiencing gambling-related financial harm.

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Having been a part of the GamCare team since May 2022, Weiss brings over 10 years of health policy and communications experience to the Deputy CEO position. 

Since joining GamCare, Weiss has helped the gambling charity with its external engagement and communications programme, leading its response to the government’s White Paper, as well as reflecting the views of the lived experience community on how the government could help make gambling safer. 

Working closely with Executive Chair Margot Daly, Weiss will offer strategic leadership and direction across GamCare’s services in his new role, in addition to serving as a GamCare ambassador, raising the charity’s profile and that of the people it supports. 

Commenting on his new role, Weiss said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Deputy CEO. Since joining in 2022 I have seen first-hand the incredible impact that GamCare’s essential services have had in supporting people to recover from gambling harm – and in preventing those harms.

“As we now work through this transitional period in the future of research, prevention, and treatment, I look forward to working in close collaboration with our third sector partners, with GambleAware, the NHS, and with Government as, together, we build the next chapter of gambling support in Britain.” 

Before joining GamCare, Weiss was Head of Policy and Public Affairs for the Royal College of Anaesthetists. He also worked for seven years in policy at the UK Faculty of Public Health, helping to secure significant and high-profile legislative changes and policy commitments. 

Daly added: “I am pleased to welcome Mark as the charity’s new Deputy CEO. His first-hand appreciation of the profound positive impact of GamCare’s treatment services and prevention programmes underscores his commitment to the tens of thousands of people who use our services every year.

“As GamCare navigates the evolving landscape, Mark’s collaborative and evidenced-based approach will be instrumental in driving forward GamCare’s core mission to help those affected by gambling-related harm, and to prevent further harm from emerging.”

Last week, GamCare announced that the Safer Gambling Standard will continue its work under a different structure outside of the gambling treatment charity.

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The decision for this change was made by GamCare’s board in December last year. A strategic review will be undertaken by its leadership team to facilitate the change.

GamCare noted that the outcome of the review will be announced in due course.

Launched in 2019 and accredited by UKAS, the Safer Gambling Standard is an independent quality standard that evaluates measures by gambling companies to protect people from gambling-related harm.

GamCare also stated that the Safer Gambling Standard team is reviewing the “very serious recent development in relation to online gambling operator, Gamesys, to see whether there have been any breaches of the Safer Gambling Standard requirements”. 

Back in January, Gamesys was ordered to pay a £6m penalty by the UK Gambling Commission after an investigation discovered social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures had occurred between November 2021 and July 2022.

GamCare requires “all operators to provide accurate, up-to-date information, including of regulatory investigations, in line with the contract they sign”. 

The findings of that review will be published by GamCare over the coming month.

GamCare added: “Our core focus at GamCare will continue to be the provision of high-quality, accessible support to the thousands of people who come through our services each year, both those who are struggling with gambling directly as well as those who are affected by someone else’s gambling.

“All of GamCare’s work is focused on the reduction of gambling harms, as it has been for 26 years.”

Earlier this year, GamCare revealed that the National Gambling Helpline has taken more calls and online chats in 2023 than any other previous year.

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Following its uptick in usage, Samantha Turnton, Head of Remote Support Services at GamCare, has described the helpline as an “invaluable” step for those looking for gambling support.

The helpline received 52,370 calls and online chats during the year, a 24 per cent increase year-over-year, with August 2023 becoming the helpline’s busiest month on record. 

December 2023 saw a 39 per cent year-over-year uptick in comparison to the previous year, becoming the busiest Christmas period ever. There was an increase in calls from people concerned about someone else’s gambling during the holiday season, while others said they struggled to watch TV with their families due to the number of gambling advertisements.

In addition, on 117 calls and online chats to advisors, people stated that their gambling was related to financial pressures caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

Turnton commented: “We are used to seeing small increases in the volume of people contacting us each year. However, in 2023 there has been a landmark climb in people reaching out who want to start their recovery journey from gambling. 

“While it is concerning to see the rising numbers who need help, we are encouraged that advisors are reporting an increase in calls from people who reach out at an earlier stage. This is an invaluable step to prevent gambling harm from escalating further down the line, and we encourage anyone to get in touch if they feel ready to discuss their relationship with it, no matter what stage they are at. 

“We know how difficult it can be to open up about gambling for the first time and we’re here to listen. We want people to know we are here for you 24/7, we understand, and we can help.” 

GamCare noted that following the introduction of the helpline’s WhatsApp channel in February 2023, an additional 6,000 interactions have been made through the service.

In addition, almost 7,000 Gamban blocking software licences were registered for free through TalkBanStop – a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP that offers free tools and support to help people control their gambling online.

“The increased number of calls to the helpline comes after the launch of the National Gambling Support Network last year, and clearly demonstrates the need for and importance of prevention and early intervention support services,” added Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning & Strategy Officer at GambleAware.

“These support services need to be prioritised within the new system once the statutory gambling levy is introduced, as we know that swift intervention is essential to help people in the early stages of experiencing gambling harm, before it becomes even more serious.” 

“The helpline and the National Gambling Support Network, through which nine in 10 patients saw an improvement after completing treatment, are available to ensure people can access the help and support they need in their local community, wherever they are in Great Britain. If you’re worried about how gambling makes you feel, search GambleAware or contact the helpline, available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133.”

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However, the gambling charity added that it is also “concerned about the transition period” between now and when the levy is implemented, as it wants to make sure services and support are provided to those that need it “without disruption”.

GamCare’s comments come from its published response to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s consultation on the proposed statutory levy on the gambling industry featured in the UK government’s white paper, which was published in April.

The now-closed consultation sought stakeholder’s opinions on the levy’s structure, which aims to raise £100m per year by 2027 for gambling research, education and treatment across England, Scotland and Wales, proposing a one per cent fee on gross gambling yield for online operators, with land-based betting shops and casinos paying around 0.4 per cent.

With approval from the DCMS and Treasury, the UK Gambling Commission will distribute funding to the NHS, which will take the principal role of ‘main commissioner of treatment‘.

However, the government is proposing that research, prevention and treatment will have individual commissioners. 

• UK Research and Innovation will be the research commissioner – 10-20 per cent of funding for the Gambling Research Programme establishment.
• NHS will be the treatment commissioner – 15-30 per cent of funding to help with prevention, early intervention and education.
• Commissioner for prevention is yet to be picked – 40-60 per cent of funding for treatment and support services.

Within its response to the statutory levy proposal, GamCare stated that it was “pleased” with the levy, but added that while multiple commissioners mean “targeted funding”, overlapping between the three areas means there needs to be a “clear direction” to reduce long-term gambling harms.

The charity said in a statement: “We’re pleased that this new system provides the long-term funding security for organisations across Great Britain working hard to reduce gambling-related harms. 

“Having multiple commissioners means targeted funding, but there is a lot of overlap between research, prevention and treatment that can’t be ignored.

“We are recommending that the government implements a National Strategy that unites the three new commissioners with the shared ambition to set a clear direction to reduce gambling harms in the long term.”

A Levy Board (including the Department for Health and Social Care and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) and an informal Advisory Group (experts from the third sector, research community and with a lived experience background) will also provide support on the distribution of levy funds and how they should be spent.

On this aspect, GamCare noted: “We have a long history of embedding and learning from lived experience, as does much of the third sector. When work is co-produced with lived experience it helps to reduce barriers to treatment and makes interventions more effective. 

“Therefore, it is vital that the expertise of people with lived experience of gambling-related harm is central to decision making for the levy – helping to inform and improve service provision in the third sector.”

GamCare also echoed the thoughts of Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew that the transition to the statutory levy must not cause any disruption to the current support services being provided to those who need it most.

The charity added that if executed correctly, the levy can help provide a “generational shift in the gambling harms sector”.

“We are also concerned about the transition period between now and the implementation of the statutory levy. We want to ensure that services are available and working so that people who need support get it at the right time and without disruption.

“Last year, our National Gambling Helpline received 44,049 calls, and 9,009 people attended structured treatment or an Extended Brief Intervention. Each of the individuals contacting us deserve the highest quality and most accessible care during the transition.

“The statutory levy represents a generational shift in the gambling harms sector. If it’s done right, the levy is an opportunity to bring together research, prevention and treatment, helping to prevent gambling harms and providing the best care for people who need it.”

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