GamCare publishes Annual Report 2025/26 ahead of the new funding system

GamCare, a recognized charity supporting gambling issues in Great Britain, has published its Annual Report for the Trustees 2025/26. The document confirms that despite significant transformations in its funding model, the organization maintained the delivery of prompt, humane, and quality services to individuals affected by gambling problems throughout the fiscal year 2025/2026, the last under the voluntary levy system. From April 2026, GamCare will operate under a new statutory commission scheme, as stipulated by the UK regulatory authorities.

Impact of the annual report: key results for the responsible gambling sector

The report highlights that GamCare prioritized the quality of its services in all strategic decisions, as explained by Margot Daly, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Independent assessments by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) confirmed that the National Gambling Helpline, along with treatment and outreach services, excelled in safety, effectiveness, and leadership, always focusing on users' needs. Daly stated:

“After nearly three decades in this sector, we know that periods of change are when quality and continuity matter most, and our focus will remain on England and Scotland under the new agreements.”

During the reported period, GamCare's educational, prevention, and outreach programs benefited 17,100 people before gambling-related harms could escalate. Among the participants were over 2,100 professionals from fields such as health, criminal justice, finance, and the Armed Forces, trained to identify gambling-related harms.

Operation of the National Helpline and referrals to treatment

Between April 2025 and March 2026, the National Gambling Helpline and GamCare's digital services managed over 114,000 initial contacts. Of these, more than 11,400 formal referrals to treatment services were achieved, along with approximately 17,700 additional connections to broader support resources.

Access to treatment was streamlined: the average wait time for a full assessment was 2.4 days after initial contact. GamCare provided 10,300 sessions to 811 treatment users, ensuring that whenever possible, follow-up was carried out by the same professional.

Evaluation of clinical outcomes and user satisfaction

97% of users who completed treatment reported improvements in their situation. In the standard clinical scale of gambling damage, the average score dropped from 14.4 at the start of treatment to 3.3 at completion. An independent metric on psychological distress was reduced by more than half.

GamCare's independence was affirmed by the CQC's conclusion that its services are free from influence by the gambling industry. Additionally, the National Gambling Helpline received three-year certification from the Helplines Partnership in compliance with the Helplines Standard.

Funding process and transition to the new regime

The recent acquisition of financing from new commissioners in England and Scotland took place in the context of these positive outcomes and the imminent transition to the statutory funding system effective from April 2026. Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, noted that behind each of the 114,000 contacts is a person who chooses to seek help, often for the first time.

“Whether it’s through a late-night call, a midday chat, or a private message, our role is to listen without judgment and help each person move along the path that is right for them.”

Corbishley emphasized that this comprehensive care is reflected in the rapid access and positive impact, cited by 97% of those who completed the process. GamCare faces the new regulatory environment with a clear mandate, a validated model, and renewed commitment to the population they serve.

Value for the industry and regulatory perspectives

The publication of GamCare's annual report is relevant not only for operators and platform providers in Great Britain but also for legal administrators and compliance officers in the responsible gambling segment across the industry. The evidence presented underscores the importance of impact metrics, operational continuity, and transparency regarding independence from the private sector. With the start of the statutory commission system, a more stable framework for oversight and funding is expected for support entities like GamCare, a factor that stakeholders will need to monitor closely in regulation and compliance strategies.