Glasgow City Council is set to receive €4.02 million over the next three years to enhance its approach to addressing gambling-related harm. This funding comes from the UK’s statutory Gambling Levy, which aims to support a comprehensive public health strategy emphasizing prevention and early intervention, particularly for communities that are most impacted by gambling issues.
This financial boost will enable the council to bolster existing programs and implement new initiatives aimed at mitigating the social and financial impacts of gambling. Upcoming measures include expanding prevention programs in schools and youth services, offering specialized support for young individuals affected by gambling-related debt, and providing additional training for healthcare providers, community organizations, and frontline public service personnel.
The council plans to concentrate efforts in three neighborhoods where the density of betting shops is highest, where gambling-related risks are deemed most pronounced. Part of this initiative involves broadening the services offered by The Glasgow Project, which aims to recruit more staff dedicated to prevention and re-establish the city's multi-agency partnership focused on gambling harm. The project will also introduce a dedicated financial inclusion service to assist those dealing with gambling debts.
This funding initiative follows a report to Glasgow's Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement Policy Committee, which revealed that gambling-related harm costs the city over €17.55 million annually—the highest in Scotland. Additionally, the report highlighted that 42% of Glasgow's betting shops are situated in the city's most disadvantaged areas, leading the council to prioritize community-based prevention and support programs.
The funding is part of the new Gambling Levy implemented in April 2025 to succeed the previous voluntary funding model overseen by GambleAware. The levy is estimated to generate about €117 million each year, with funds designated for research and treatment initiatives across Great Britain. Beyond Glasgow, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has allocated €29.72 million to 33 voluntary and community organizations in England, while Public Health Wales has initiated a levy-supported program that provides community grants of up to €87,750 each year for local gambling harm initiatives. This funding demonstrates a growing recognition of gambling harm as a public health concern, with an increasing focus on preventative measures and early intervention alongside treatment efforts.
