GamCare has announced an income of £19.9 million and reserves totaling £16 million for the financial year 2025-2026. This period marks the charity's last full year before Great Britain transitioned to a statutory gambling harm funding model. The annual report, released on August 27, 2026, details the financial results for the year ending March 31, 2026. As of April 1, funding for gambling harm services shifted from industry contributions, previously managed by GambleAware, to a new statutory levy system.
For the reported fiscal year, GamCare's total income dropped by 2% compared to the prior year. Expenses also decreased, by 8%, amounting to £14.8 million, resulting in a surplus of £5.1 million. Of the income, 70% came from GambleAware via service agreements and grants, including a final one-time funding of £1.9 million before its closure. Allwyn contributed £1.7 million to support the charity’s Women’s Pathway program.
While donations fell by 44%, bringing the total to £4.2 million, this decline is partially attributed to prior extraordinary donations being fully accounted for in the previous financial year. GamCare noted that under the new public commissioning model, gambling operators are no longer permitted to make donations, which limits future fundraising opportunities for charities.
The charity's total reserves rose by 46%, reaching £16 million, with £2.4 million designated for restricted funds and £2 million earmarked for digital development. Despite the changes under the new commissioning system, GamCare retained its contracts for the National Gambling Helpline and various treatment and outreach services in England, alongside continued funding for the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.
However, the Helpline services in Wales were not renewed due to the commissioning decisions made during the transfer process, although GamCare still accepts calls from Welsh residents.
Margot Daly, Chair of GamCare, stated: "The Board’s priority throughout was to keep the quality of services at the centre of every decision. 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, and as we continue delivering in England and Scotland under the new arrangements, that is where our focus will stay."
GamCare has expressed concerns about the sustainability of funding under the new system, with most newly contracted funding currently available for only a year. The charity has utilized its resources and savings to support individuals facing service access challenges during this transition.
Looking ahead, GamCare plans to release a new report on the harms associated with gambling through cryptocurrency and will initiate a national effort to assist those affected by gambling-related issues.
