GambleAware opens applications for System Stabilisation Fund
The system is designed to help organisations in England, Scotland and Wales whose funding streams have been disrupted by plans for a statutory levy.
The funding for the grants comes from ring-fenced regulatory settlement funds allocated to the charity by the Commission. This will be done in order to stabilise existing gambling harm prevention, support and treatment projects.
The statutory levy featured in the government’s gambling white paper, along with a number of 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.
GambleAware’s strategic framework
Organisations can now apply for funds, but must show commitment to GambleAware’s strategic framework outcomes.
These include increasing the awareness and understanding of gambling risks, as well as preventing gambling harm and escalation of harm. Other outcomes are ensuring individuals and communities receive a range of services and reducing 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 will cover the 2023-24 financial year to 31 March 2024 as a short-term measure to stabilise the existing system.
The first application round will run from 7-12 August, with successful applicants notified by mid-September. A second round will take place from 6-20 November.
Easing uncertainty
“We welcome plans for a statutory levy and look forward to its swift implementation,” GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond said.
“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.”