The statutory gambling levy enters its second year: what it raised and where help now comes from
Since April 2025 every licensed gambling operator has paid a compulsory levy to fund research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm. Its second annual invoices went out on 1 September, and the old charity-led system has now closed. Here is how the levy works and where to turn if gambling, or bonus chasing, stops being fun.
By the Top Casino Bonus team. Published .
Key points
- The statutory levy took effect on 6 April 2025 and replaced voluntary industry donations.
- DCMS says it raised just under £120m in its first year.
- The money is split 50% treatment (NHS-led), 30% prevention (OHID) and 20% research (UKRI).
- Second-year invoices were issued on 1 September 2026, based on operators’ April 2025 to March 2026 returns.
- GambleAware completed a managed closure by the end of March 2026; the National Gambling Helpline remains open 24/7 on 0808 8020 133.
- Levy in force
- 6 April 2025
- First-year total
- Just under £120m
- Treatment
- 50%
- Prevention
- 30%
- Research
- 20%
- Year-two invoices
- 1 September 2026
How the levy works
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who pays | Every Gambling Commission licence holder |
| Online operators’ rate | 1.1% of gross gambling yield |
| Invoices | Issued 1 September each year, due by 1 October |
| Treatment (50%) | NHS England and the Scottish and Welsh governments |
| Prevention (30%) | Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and devolved bodies |
| Research (20%) | UK Research and Innovation |
The first year was based on operators’ returns for July 2024 to March 2025, scaled to a full year; invoices from September 2026 use April 2025 to March 2026. In April 2026 OHID announced its first £25m of prevention grants under the new system.
Does the levy affect bonuses?
Not directly. The levy is a small percentage of operators’ yield, alongside 40% remote gaming duty, and no casino has linked an offer change to it. What it does change is where help comes from, as funding moves from charities to the NHS and public bodies. Our page on the statutory levy has the background.
Where to get help
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours, run by GamCare.
- Self-exclusion: GamStop blocks all licensed online casinos; see how to self-exclude.
- Warning signs: chasing bonuses to win back losses is one; see bonuses and gambling harm and when to say no to a bonus.
More support options are on our safer gambling page.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Free, confidential help 24/7: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, or see our safer gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the statutory gambling levy?
A compulsory charge on licensed gambling operators, in force since 6 April 2025, that funds research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm.
How much has the gambling levy raised?
DCMS says just under £120m in its first year.
Where does the levy money go?
50% to treatment, 30% to prevention and 20% to research.
Is the National Gambling Helpline still available?
Yes, on 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours.
Related pages
Sources
- Gambling Commission: statutory gambling levy guidance (opens in a new tab)
- SBC News: levy raised just under £120m in its first year (opens in a new tab)
- SBC News: OHID reveals first recipients of £25m prevention grants (opens in a new tab)
- iGaming Expert: GambleAware managed closure (opens in a new tab)
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