Ygam's Prevention Delivery Network: A Blueprint for Collaboration Under the UK's New Statutory Levy
Ygam’s Prevention Delivery Network: A Blueprint for Collaboration Under the UK’s New Statutory Levy
Overview: A Landmark Meeting for Gambling Harm Prevention
The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam), a UK charity dedicated to reducing gambling-related harm among young people, has announced the successful inaugural meeting of its Prevention Delivery Network. This new collaborative forum brings together organizations funded through the Gambling Harms Prevention and Resilience Fund, administered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). The funding for these programs comes directly from the UK’s newly established statutory levy on gambling operators—a major shift in how gambling harm prevention is resourced and coordinated across the country.
Understanding the Statutory Levy: From Voluntary Contributions to Mandatory Funding
Why the Change Was Necessary
Previously, the UK gambling industry operated under a voluntary model of contributions to research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms. While many operators participated, the system was inherently inconsistent and unpredictable. Funding levels varied year to year, and there was no guarantee that contributions would keep pace with the growing scale of gambling-related harm. The new statutory levy, introduced by the government, transforms this arrangement into a legal obligation for all gambling operators.
How the Levy Works: Rates and Collection
The levy is calculated as a percentage of Gross Gaming Yield (GGY)—the total amount wagered by customers minus the winnings paid out. Different sectors pay different rates:
- Online operators: 1.0% of GGY
- Land-based operators (e.g., casinos, betting shops): 0.4% of GGY
- Bingos and Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs): 0.1% of GGY
Collections are due on 1 October each year, with the first payments already allocated in April. This structured timeline ensures that funding flows consistently to the organizations delivering frontline services.
Allocation of Funds: Research, Prevention, and Treatment
The levy proceeds are divided into three distinct streams:
- 20% for research into gambling harms and effective interventions
- 30% for prevention programs aimed at reducing the incidence of gambling-related problems
- 50% for treatment services supporting individuals and families affected by harmful gambling
This allocation reflects a balanced approach: investing in understanding the problem, stopping it before it starts, and helping those already affected.
The Prevention Delivery Network: A New Era of Collaboration
What Is the Network?
Ygam’s Prevention Delivery Network is specifically designed to connect the organizations that are now receiving levy-funded grants to deliver gambling harm prevention activities. Rather than working in isolation, these organizations can now share insights, coordinate strategies, and amplify their collective impact.
Inaugural Meeting: Key Outcomes
The first meeting, held shortly after the funding awards were announced, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders. According to Ygam, the event achieved strong engagement and set a collaborative tone for future work. Participants included both established prevention charities and newer organizations bringing fresh perspectives.
How the Network Operates
The network will hold quarterly meetups with a clear agenda:
- Sharing common challenges encountered in prevention delivery
- Identifying opportunities for collaboration between different programs
- Developing shared strategies to improve overall effectiveness
- Building professional relationships across the sector
This regular rhythm ensures that the network remains active and responsive, rather than becoming a one-off event.
Leadership Insights: Why This Matters
Emily Tofield, Chief Executive Officer of Ygam, emphasized the significance of the network:
“The creation of the Prevention Delivery Network marks an important step towards building a more connected and collaborative approach to gambling harm prevention under the new statutory levy. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement at the inaugural meeting.”
She highlighted the network’s unique value in bringing together both experienced and emerging voices:
“The network brings together organisations with significant experience and expertise in preventing gambling harms, alongside new entrants bringing fresh ideas and approaches.”
Her concluding remarks underscored the overarching goal:
“By working together, we can learn from one another, strengthen delivery and maximise the collective impact of the investment being made in prevention.”
Broader Implications for Gambling Harm Prevention in the UK
Ensuring Sustainability and Consistency
The statutory levy represents a fundamental shift toward predictable, long-term funding. For prevention charities and service providers, this means they can plan multi-year strategies, hire permanent staff, and invest in evaluation—all of which were difficult under the voluntary model.
Example: How a Prevention Program Might Benefit
Consider a school-based education program aimed at teaching young people about the risks of gambling. Under the old system, funding might have been inconsistent from year to year, forcing the program to scale back or seek emergency donations. With levy-funded support, the same program can now run a stable curriculum, train teachers, and track outcomes over multiple years—building a robust evidence base for what works.
Opportunities for Cross-Sector Collaboration
The Prevention Delivery Network also creates a platform for joint initiatives. For instance:
- Two charities focusing on different age groups (young children vs. university students) can align their messaging and resources.
- A national helpline and a local support service can coordinate referral pathways.
- Research organizations can share emerging findings with prevention practitioners in real time.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Network
With quarterly meetings scheduled and a committed group of levy-funded organizations already participating, the network is poised to become a central hub for prevention innovation. Key areas of focus likely include:
- Developing shared evaluation frameworks to measure prevention outcomes consistently
- Creating best-practice guidelines for schools, community groups, and digital platforms
- Lobbying for further policy improvements based on frontline evidence
As the network matures, its impact will extend beyond individual programs, shaping how the entire UK approach to gambling harm prevention evolves under the statutory levy.
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