What on earth is going in the minds of people at GambleAware and the Gambling Commission, because it certainly isn’t supporting the projects that do most good in the safer gambling arena.
In another example of the third sector funding distributor GambleAware being totally unfit for purpose, one of the longest established and highly effective gambling charities is seemingly being squeezed out of the care arena.
GamCare has announced it will wind up its programme providing education to young people this autumn after five years, citing “a lack of sustainable funding.”
The GamCare Young People’s Programme provided harm prevention information to thousands of children across the UK, but will close this October.
“For over five years, GamCare has delivered harm prevention programmes which have reached over 250,000 children and young people, parents, and professionals across the UK,” said a spokesperson. “Due to a lack of sustainable funding, GamCare has made the difficult decision to close its Young People’s provision at the end of September 2025.”
“From October 2025, GamCare will no longer provide education, prevention or outreach programmes aimed at reducing gambling harm experienced by children and young people, or its specific treatment and support offer for under-18s.”
The decision means GamCare will no longer provide specialist young people’s services, however the charity’s Youth Advisory Board will continue to operate, as well as its other treatment services.
“GamCare’s core focus 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.”
Is it time for GambleAware to be held to account?
Absolutely.
The Gambling Commission should be cutting their funding, cutting them loose and closing them down. They are the very definition of the real problem in gambling.
And instead of listening to GambleAware, the Commission and the DCMS should be challenging them.And serving them notice – get your act together or get the proverbial out.
