- 25/02/2026
- Posted by: Jayne Bryant MS
- Category: Uncategorized
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Gambling helpline and specialist treatment service to be launched in Wales
A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will launch in Wales from April 1.
The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy described this as a ‘landmark moment’, providing support for tens of thousands of people who could be at risk of gambling-related harm.
The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling-related harms, including family members and others impacted. If needed, it will also refer people onto treatment services.
Treatment for gambling harms will be accessible through a secure online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3m a year by the Welsh Government to run the treatment service and helpline. The funding comes from the money raised from the UK-wide gambling levy.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board already operates several national helplines – such as the DAN 24/7 drug and alcohol helpline and CALL mental health helpline – providing established infrastructure in English and Welsh to support and deliver these new services.
The gambling industry levy came into effect in April 2025 and raised approximately £120 million in its first year for research, prevention and treatment in Great Britain, aimed at reducing gambling-related harms.
The levy ensures tackling gambling harm is sustainably funded and independent of the gambling industry.
To support implementation of the levy in Wales, the Welsh Government appointed Public Health Wales as the lead prevention co-ordinator for Wales and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement as the lead treatment co-ordinator for Wales.
Public Health Wales will launch a grant scheme in April providing opportunities related to gambling prevention.
NHS Performance and Improvement, as part of its work to expand the gambling treatment pathway, will also work with health boards to explore opportunities for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector to be involved.
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