Public Health Wales (PHW) has introduced a funding initiative aimed at combating gambling-related harms in Wales, committing £1.4 million over two years. The Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund will provide up to £700,000 annually, with individual organizations eligible for grants of as much as £75,000 per year.
Unveiled on July 26, the funding program will begin accepting applications starting August 31, closing on October 19, 2026. This initiative is primarily targeting voluntary, community, and social enterprise organizations in Wales, with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) responsible for overseeing the grant distribution.
PHW has stated that it intends to back specific public campaigns aimed at achieving the 'de-normalisation' of harmful gambling behaviors and will support targeted prevention efforts for groups considered at higher risk.
Eligible projects may include community outreach and support for individuals affected by gambling, as well as innovative methods for preventing gambling-related harm. PHW is particularly interested in initiatives that serve higher-risk populations, such as those facing financial troubles, engaged with the criminal justice system, or influenced by another's gambling habits.
The organization emphasized the value of projects designed to have a long-term preventive impact by raising awareness, incorporating lived experiences, and providing solid evidence to support successful interventions.
Catherine Miller, assistant director of grants & income at WCVA, expressed hopes for the funding's reach, stating, "We want the money to reach a wide range of voluntary sector organizations across the country and encourage groups working with at-risk populations to apply."
The initiative aims to focus on organizations that work directly with those most adversely affected by gambling, ensuring better early intervention and prevention measures are established. Helen Erswell, a consultant in public health for the Gambling-Related Harms Programme at PHW, noted, "This programme will support organizations closest to those most affected. It will deliver prevention and early intervention, focusing on addressing inequalities and reaching those most at risk of harm."
Eligible entities include registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups, and social enterprises, all of which must conduct their activities within Wales. Earlier this year, the UK government announced its own two-year program dedicating £25.4 million to support efforts in preventing gambling-related harms, which will be funded through a statutory levy on gambling operators implemented from April 2022.
