A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will
launch in Wales from April 1.
The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing described this as a ‘landmark
moment', providing support for tens of thousands of people who
could be at risk of gambling-related harm.
The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and
support to anyone affected by gambling-related harms, including
family members and others impacted. If needed, it will also refer
people onto treatment services.
Treatment for gambling harms will be accessible through a secure
online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3m a
year by the Welsh Government to run the treatment service and
helpline. The funding comes from the money raised from the
UK-wide gambling levy.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing said: “This is a
landmark moment marking the first time specialist gambling
treatment and support services will be available from the NHS in
Wales.
“The helpline will be a form of open access support available to
people who need it the most and fits into the ambitions of our
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
“Guided by the evidence, we're confident this approach is the
most effective way to deliver essential support for both
prevention and treatment.”
Clinical lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi
Cadwaladr University Health Board Dr Faye Graver said:
“We are establishing a specialist gambling treatment service and
the Wales Gambling Helpline to provide much-needed support for
people struggling with gambling addiction.
“They will provide the necessary support, advice and information
not only to people experiencing gambling-related harms, but also
their family members and others affected.
“Research shows tens of thousands of people in Wales need support
for gambling related harms and this treatment service will
provide this from referral and triage through to aftercare.”
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board already operates several
national helplines – such as the DAN 24/7 drug and alcohol
helpline and CALL mental health helpline - providing established
infrastructure in English and Welsh to support and deliver these
new services.
The gambling industry levy came into effect in April 2025 and
raised approximately £120 million in its first year for research,
prevention and treatment in Great Britain, aimed at reducing
gambling-related harms.
The levy ensures tackling gambling harm is sustainably funded and
independent of the gambling industry.
To support implementation of the levy in Wales, the Welsh
Government appointed Public Health Wales as the lead prevention
co-ordinator for Wales and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
as the lead treatment co-ordinator for Wales.
Public Health Wales will launch a grant scheme in April providing
opportunities related to gambling prevention.
NHS Performance and Improvement, as part of its work to expand
the gambling treatment pathway, will also work with health boards
to identify opportunities for the voluntary, community, and
social enterprise sector to be involved.
Notes to editors
- According to NICE (2025), an estimated 28,330 people in Wales
are experiencing severe gambling harms and are already receiving
some form of treatment or support.
- At the same time, evidence-based services must be in place
for the 50,608 people NICE predicts are not currently accessing
treatment, (NICE, 2025), ensuring unmet need is addressed through
integrated pathways rather than siloed provision. This dual
approach—continuity for existing users and expansion for those
not engaged—will be critical to delivering a safe and equitable
transition
