The NHS could become the main commissioner of gambling addiction treatment as a result of a new gambling levy.

The government estimates this will provide around £100 million per year for research, prevention and treatment. The levy forms part of the The Government’s gambling white paper, published in April 2023, which sets out a range of measures to improve player protections and reduce the risk of gambling addiction and harm in the smartphone era.

A consultation has been launched on the proposed gambling operator levy about taking the next step in mandating payments from the sector.

Currently, not all gambling companies contribute equally towards the existing voluntary levy, with some operators paying as little as £1 towards research, prevention and treatment.

The Government proposes to set the levy as a new 1% fee on gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay a proposed fee of around 0.4%

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:

"Gambling firms should always pay their fair share and this new statutory levy will ensure that they are legally required to do just that.

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said:

"The NHS has long called for a statutory levy because it is only right that this billion-pound industry steps up to support people suffering from gambling addiction and I am pleased that action is being taken to prevent people from coming to harm in the first place. It is now vital we continue working in partnership to ensure we provide effective prevention, education and treatment for this condition."

The consultation will remain open for eight weeks.