Fenton Joins UK Gambling Levy Board Amidst Ongoing Debate on Gambling Harm Funding
Kevin Fenton Joins Gambling Levy Board to Oversee Harm Funding
Kevin Fenton has taken a position on the Gambling Levy Program Board, part of the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This board is responsible for managing the allocation of newly legislated funds aimed at addressing gambling-related harm through research, prevention, and treatment initiatives. Fenton’s appointment comes at a critical time as concerns continue about the transparency and independence of this new funding system from political and industry influence.
Overview of the New Gambling Levy Framework
The Gambling Levy Program Board plays a central role in the UK’s statutory gambling levy system, which commenced in April 2025 following detailed government guidelines published in December prior. This system replaced the previous voluntary donation model with a mandatory levy collected by the UK Gambling Commission on behalf of ministers. In 2025 alone, the levy has generated £120 million (approximately $159.5 million), with all proceeds dedicated exclusively to combating gambling-related harms.
The allocated funding is divided into three key categories: 20% supports research led by UK Research and Innovation, focusing on filling knowledge gaps around gambling harms; 30% is directed towards prevention efforts coordinated by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities along with local authorities; and the remaining 50% funds treatment services, managed by NHS England as well as Scottish and Welsh health bodies.
Contributions to the levy come from gambling operators according to their licenses and revenue, with higher rates applied to online operators and software providers. These payments are due annually by October 1st. Notably, the National Lottery is exempt as it operates under separate funding arrangements.
Fenton’s Appointment Highlights a Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm
Recognized for his expertise in public health, Kevin Fenton has long advocated viewing gambling as a population-wide health issue. Earlier this year, he co-authored a call to gradually phase out gambling advertisements, citing evidence of harm to adults and children alike and linking exposure to risky behaviors. His position on the Program Board signals a likely emphasis on employing levy funds through a health-oriented framework.
Despite this progress, debates persist over how gambling harm data is presented and interpreted. For instance, Ed Humpherson, head of the Office for Statistics Regulation, issued warnings last year about potential misuse of statistics from a government-commissioned study on the social costs of gambling. He emphasized that the observed associations do not confirm causation and cautioned that unclear communication might mislead policymakers and the public.
The government emphasizes strong governance as vital to maintaining the levy’s credibility. A newly established Delivery Group works alongside the Program Board to coordinate research, prevention, and treatment efforts. Annual reports will provide transparency about spending and impact. Whether Fenton’s involvement will ease or deepen debates about the direction of gambling harm policy remains to be seen.
