Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The National Health Service (NHS) stands to gain a significant boost from a newly proposed levy, estimated to generate approximately £100 million in fresh funding dedicated to the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling addiction.
Following the release of the gambling white paper in April, the government has embarked on the next phase of this endeavor by initiating a consultation to establish the structure of the envisaged gambling operator levy.
Presently, not all gambling entities make an equitable contribution to the current voluntary levy, with some operators contributing as little as £1 toward research, prevention, and treatment. The government is, therefore, taking action to ensure that all operators contribute their fair share.
To enhance the support for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related issues, the government is considering implementing the levy as a new 1% fee on the gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos are anticipated to pay a proposed fee of roughly 0.4%.
The white paper has suggested an equitable and proportional approach to levy rates for various operators, accounting for variations in factors such as operating costs and the degree of harm associated with different forms of gambling activities.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer indicated that they are taking the next step in their strategy to safeguard those most vulnerable to gambling-related harm by instituting a new levy on gambling operators, the proceeds of which will be allocated to treatment and research.
“All gambling operators will be required to pay their fair share and this consultation is an opportunity for the industry, clinicians, those who have experienced gambling harm and the wider public to have their say on how the proposed gambling operator levy should work.”
The government and the Gambling Commission are actively progressing with the implementation of the strategies outlined in the white paper, with the aim of having significant components established by the summer of 2024.
