New Gambling Levy Transition Fund Opens to Bridge Critical Funding Gaps
A new fund has launched to help organisations tackling gambling harms in England. The Gambling Levy Transition Fund will provide temporary support to those facing funding gaps after the introduction of a statutory levy. Without this intervention, vulnerable service users and beneficiary groups risked losing essential support. The fund opened on April 1, 2026, and will accept applications until April 30. It aims to cover organisations that previously relied on voluntary industry funding between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026. To qualify, applicants must show evidence of past grants and prove they were fully rejected from the Gambling Harms Prevention or Treatment VCSE Grant Funds.
Payments will be made on a pro rata basis by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Successful claims will be processed after the funding period, with payments expected by June 30. Early applications are encouraged, even if decisions on other funding bids remain pending.
The government highlighted tight commissioning deadlines as a key risk for service disruptions. By offering retroactive payments from April 1, the fund seeks to prevent gaps in support for those affected by gambling-related harm. The transition fund will close to new applications at the end of April. Eligible organisations must submit valid claims to receive financial support. Payments will cover the three-month period, ensuring continuity for critical services until the new levy system is fully in place.
