NHS Reacts To New £100 Million Gambling Levy

Claire Murdoch, NHS National Director for Mental Health, said: “Problem gambling can completely ruin lives and the issue has skyrocketed, with NHS services treating record numbers and our latest data showing a staggering 129% increase in service referrals compared with the same period last year.

“I am delighted to welcome this commitment to a mandatory gambling levy which the NHS, bereaved families and the voluntary sector have been calling for so we can treat this growing problem – and we will continue to work with government to do all we can protect problem gamblers from this billion-pound industry.”

Background

Referrals to NHS gambling clinics

2023-24

Q1, 303

Q2, 533

Q3, 698

Q4, 750

2024-25

Q1, 876

Q2 1038

YTD 1,914 (compared to 836 in Q1+2 in 23/24)