NHS Wales will launch its first dedicated specialist gambling treatment service and national helpline on 1 April, marking a major expansion of support for people affected by gambling-related harm.
The initiative introduces the Wales Gambling Helpline alongside a new treatment programme designed to provide specialist clinical care, remote support and referrals for individuals experiencing gambling addiction, as well as their families and others impacted.
The Wales Gambling Helpline will aim to give information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by gambling harms. Where appropriate, callers will be referred directly to specialist treatment services.
“This is a landmark moment marking the first time specialist gambling treatment and support services will be available from the NHS in Wales,” said Sarah Murphy, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
“The helpline will be a form of open access support available to people who need it the most and fits into the ambitions of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
“Guided by the evidence, we’re confident this approach is the most effective way to deliver essential support for both prevention and treatment.”
Treatment will be delivered through a secure online platform, enabling patients to access professional support remotely.
The approach, announced just days after GambleAware released its final legacy report, is looking to increase accessibility, particularly for those unable or unwilling to attend in-person appointments.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3m annually by the Welsh government to operate both the helpline and treatment service, with the funding coming from proceeds generated through the UK-wide statutory gambling levy.
Dr Faye Graver, Clinical Lead for gambling treatment services at the health board, said the programme addresses a longstanding gap in specialist care.
“We are establishing a specialist gambling treatment service and the Wales Gambling Helpline to provide much-needed support for people struggling with gambling addiction,” she explained.
“They will provide the necessary support, advice and information not only to people experiencing gambling-related harms, but also their family members and others affected.
“Research shows tens of thousands of people in Wales need support for gambling related harms and this treatment service will provide this from referral and triage through to aftercare.”
NHS’ gambling integration continues
The new gambling support services builds on the health board’s existing experience operating national helplines, including DAN 24/7, a drug and alcohol helpline and mental health helpline CALL.
Officials say the integration of gambling treatment into existing NHS systems will ensure continuity of care – something the outgoing GambleAware stressed was a necessity.
It forms part of a broader national strategy to improve prevention, early intervention and treatment for gambling-related harms, and comes shortly after UK charity GamCare recorded a significant increase in referrals to treatment and peer-based support services in January 2026.
Reacting to the news, Victoria Corbishley, CEO of GamCare, said: “We wish Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board well as they build a new NHS helpline for people in Wales and we look forward to working closely together in the transition.
“GamCare’s priority has always been, and continues to be, ensuring that individuals affected by gambling harms can access confidential, non-judgemental, and effective support.
“We will be writing to Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, about the decision and how to make the relationship between our helplines work for people who are at risk of gambling harms across England and Wales.
“The shared aim must be to minimise any confusion for those reaching out in moments of vulnerability. Our focus remains firmly on the people we serve.”
The specialist service is funded through the statutory gambling levy, which came into effect across Great Britain in April 2025. The levy raised approximately £120m in its first year, supporting research, prevention and treatment programmes aimed at reducing gambling harm.
As part of the rollout in Wales, Public Health Wales was appointed as the lead prevention coordinator, while NHS Wales Performance and Improvement has been tasked with overseeing treatment delivery.
Public Health Wales also announced plans to launch a new grant scheme in April to fund prevention initiatives, supporting organisations working to reduce gambling harm across communities.
In parallel, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement said it will work with regional health boards and voluntary sector organisations to expand treatment pathways and ensure comprehensive national coverage.
The launch marks the first time specialist gambling addiction treatment became fully integrated within NHS Wales. It seems like a step in the right direction as the UK prepares for drastic changes in how gambling awareness services are funded and commissioned.