Jeff Smith, Member of Parliament for Manchester Withington, welcomes the Government’s introduction of a statutory levy on gambling operators, generating £100 million for the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms. 

Gambling harms can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. While the majority of people enjoy gambling without experiencing any harms, a recent study by the Gambling Commission found that 2.5% of adults surveyed were classified as problem gamblers but many more are affected, whether that be family members or gamblers who are at risk of negative consequences.

Under the current voluntary system, the majority of operators have contributed to research, prevention and treatment but not all gambling companies contribute proportionately to research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms. The new mandatory levy will ensure all operators contribute a fair share, and will be applied at proportionate levels depending on the sector and nature of the gambling activity. Of the new £100m in funding, treatment will be allocated 50% the levy and will be overseen by NHS who will commission a full treatment pathway, from referral and triage through to aftercare. Prevention will be allocated 30% to develop an early intervention approach, and research will get the remaining 20% of funding. 

This funding comes as part of a wider package of measures, which includes the introduction of stake limits for online slots. Stake limits will be set at £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over and £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds. These changes bring online slot games in line with existing restrictions on slot machines in casinos. Indeed, online slots are a higher-risk gambling product, associated with increased risk of large losses, long sessions, and binge play. However, unlike land-based gaming machines which offer broadly similar games, up until now they have had no statutory stake limits. 

Jeff Smith MP said: 

“Problem gambling can be devastating for those whose lives it touches. This new statutory funding for gambling harms, paid for by gambling companies, will be an important boost to the NHS, whilst helping to address the negative impact of gambling harms on places like Manchester Withington through prevention and research.”