LONDON – TECH – The United Kingdom is taking significant steps to combat gambling addiction with the announcement of a mandatory levy on gambling operators and new online slot stake limits.
These measures aim to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals and provide vital funding for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm.
Mandatory Levy to Fund Support Services
A new statutory levy will be imposed on all licensed gambling operators in the UK, replacing the current voluntary system. This landmark change ensures that all companies contribute a fair share to address gambling harm, with an estimated £100 million generated annually.
“Gambling harm can ruin people’s finances, relationships, and ultimately lives,” stated Baroness Twycross, UK Minister for Gambling. “The introduction of the first legally mandated levy will be instrumental in supporting research, raising awareness and reducing the stigma around gambling-related harm.”
Half of the levy funding will be allocated to NHS England and corresponding bodies in Scotland and Wales to bolster their gambling support and treatment systems. This includes funding for referrals, triage, recovery, and aftercare services. Another 30% will be invested in prevention initiatives, such as public health campaigns and frontline staff training. The remaining 20% will support research programs through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Gambling Commission.
Online Slot Stake Limits Introduced
In addition to the levy, the government is introducing stake limits for online slots, a high-risk gambling product often associated with significant losses and addictive behavior. Adults aged 25 and over will be limited to £5 per spin, while young adults aged 18 to 24 will have a £2 limit.
This measure acknowledges the vulnerability of young adults to gambling-related harm. Evidence from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that under-25s have one of the highest proportions of problem gamblers.
NHS and Experts Welcome the Changes
The announcement has been welcomed by NHS leaders and experts in the field:
- Claire Murdoch, NHS National Director for Mental Health: “Problem gambling can completely ruin lives… I am delighted to welcome this commitment to a mandatory gambling levy which the NHS, bereaved families and the voluntary sector have been calling for.”
- Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms at NHS England: “Gambling harms have a devastating effect on people’s lives… I am thrilled to support the Government’s new levy, which will help us address the negative impact of gambling harms on communities.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Gambling Harm
The levy and online slot stake limits are part of a broader effort by the UK government and the Gambling Commission to make gambling safer in the digital age. Other initiatives include financial risk checks and tighter controls on marketing.
These measures demonstrate a commitment to addressing the growing problem of gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable individuals while allowing people to continue to gamble safely.