GamCare has reported an income of £19.9 million and reserves totaling £16 million for the financial year 2025-2026. This marks the charity's final full fiscal year before Great Britain transitioned to a statutory gambling harm funding model. The annual report, released on 27th August 2026, covers the year ending 31st March, prior to the shift in funding structure that began on 1st April, moving away from industry contributions managed by GambleAware to a statutory levy system.
The charity’s income decreased by 2% compared to the prior year, amounting to £19.9 million. In contrast, expenses saw an 8% reduction, totaling £14.8 million, resulting in a surplus of £5.1 million. GambalAware was responsible for 70% of the income through service agreements and grants, with £1.9 million being the last unique funding before its closure. Furthermore, Allwyn contributed £1.7 million for GamCare's Women’s Pathway program.
Despite these figures, donations to GamCare dropped significantly, falling 44% to £4.2 million. This decline has been attributed to previous extraordinary donations that were fully recorded in the last fiscal year. GamCare also noted that the shift to public commissioning restricts gambling operators from contributing donations, limiting future fundraising avenues for charities.
GamCare's reserves experienced a 46% increase, reaching £16 million, with £2.4 million earmarked for restricted funds and £2 million designated for digital development.
Under the new commissioning framework, GamCare continues to hold contracts for the National Gambling Helpline alongside treatment and outreach initiatives in various regions of England and for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. However, its Helpline services in Wales were not renewed due to commissioning decisions made during the funding transition. Despite this, the Helpline remains available for calls from Welsh residents.
Margot Daly, Chair of GamCare, emphasized the Board's commitment to maintaining service quality, saying, "Independent CQC assessments found GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, treatment and outreach services to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led, with care focused on the needs and preferences of the people who use them. After nearly three decades in this sector, we know that periods of change are when quality and continuity matter most."
GamCare has raised concerns about funding stability under the new system, noting that most contracts currently last for only a year. The charity has utilized its resources and savings to assist individuals facing challenges in accessing services during this transition.
Looking ahead, GamCare plans to release a report addressing the adverse effects of cryptocurrency-based gambling and will initiate a national effort to support those affected by gambling-related issues.
