GambleAware to shut down in 2026

The familiar branding of "BeGambleAware" will be replaced in March next year by a government-led levy for gambling support services.

A major change is coming to how gambling support services are run in the UK. GambleAware, the charity behind the well-known "BeGambleAware" branding, will be winding down its operations by March 2026. This is part of a government-led reform to create a new system for funding and delivering help to people affected by gambling harms.

Over the years, GambleAware has played a leading role in commissioning treatment, research, and education services, mostly funded through voluntary donations from the gambling industry.

That voluntary model is now being replaced. The government is introducing a mandatory levy, meaning all licensed gambling operators will be required to contribute a portion of their revenues. This money will be used to fund gambling support services through public bodies like the National Health Service.

GambleAware will continue to run existing projects and services during a managed transition period, supported by up to £11 million in funding from the new statutory system. 

The charity’s leaders have welcomed the move, calling it a milestone in the effort to reduce gambling harm. The government has also acknowledged GambleAware’s long-standing contribution. The absence of GambleAware will be noticed; its branding has appeared on betting sites, adverts, and across gambling-related media, offering a reminder to play safely and links to support. It is also the sign-off for a lot of operators' social media posts.