GambleAware is inviting applications for a new “System Stabilisation Fund”, following the Gambling Commission’s decision to allocate regulatory settlement monies to the charity.
The new system has been adapted to benefit companies in, England, Wales ans Scotland who have seen funding streams impacted by plans for a statutory levy.
Funding for the grants will stem from ‘ring-fenced’ regulatory settlement funds given to the charity by the Commission and will aim to keep current gambling harm prevention, support and treatment projects at a managable scale.
The statutory levy was introduced into the government’s gambling white paper, joining several other recommendations. Operators will pay the mandatory levy to the Commission to help fund research, education and treatment for gambling harms, replacing the present voluntary arrangement.
Organisations will be able to apply for new funds, however, they must show a devotion to GambleAware’s strategic framework outcomes from that point onwards.
These include increasing the awareness and understanding of gambling risks, as well as preventing gambling harm and escalation of harm.
Other outcomes are to make sure that individuals and communities get a variety of services and reduce the legacy of gambling harm.
GambleAware said applicants must also demonstrate evidence of need, delivery model and approach, potential outcomes and impact, value for money and long-term sustainability.
Funding is set to include the 2023-24 financial year to 31 March 2024 as a short-term measure to stabilise the current structure.
The opening application slot will begin from 7-12 August, with successful applicants made aware by September. A second round will take place from 6-20 November.
GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond, released a statement about the new process and how it aims to maintain safety amongst gambling enthusasists/organsiations.
She said: “We welcome plans for a statutory levy and look forward to its swift implementation. However, this has led to a period of change as industry and the gambling harms research, prevention and treatment sector prepare to transition to the proposed levy,”
“Our role as strategic commissioner across the sector means we are able to apply a single overview of the system. With this oversight we and the Gambling Commission recognise the uncertainty across the sector and the need to ensure current projects can continue without any risk of experiencing a funding shortfall.”
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