The appointment of Kevin Fenton to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport DCMS Gambling Levy Programme Board has sparked fresh debate about how gambling harm funding is handled in the UK. The board decides how money from the new statutory gambling levy is shared between research, prevention and treatment services.

Fenton is a senior director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities OHID. He has previously helped write reports that criticise gambling advertising and regulation in the UK. One paper, written with gambling campaigner Will Prochaska, called for a step by step ban on gambling adverts, leading to a complete end to online gambling advertising within three years.

Concerns Over Politicisation of Harms Funding

The appointment has caused concern among gambling harm groups, technology firms and the gambling industry. Some critics worry that the new levy could be shaped by political views instead of being used to support frontline services. There are fears that money could go to campaign groups rather than existing treatment and prevention services.

These worries come as many organisations that help people harmed by gambling say funding is still unclear. Some industry insiders have said the rollout of the statutory levy has been poorly managed, with delays and confusion affecting those providing services on the ground.

Calls for Major Gambling Law Reforms

Fenton has also helped write another article calling for a new Gambling Act in the UK. The ideas in the paper would bring major changes to the gambling industry. These include shifting government focus away from personal responsibility, using planning laws to stop new gambling venues, and ending gambling adverts on council-owned channels.

The paper also supports funding public awareness campaigns using strong facts and evidence nationwide across all regions. Supporters believe these measures would better protect the public, while critics say they could limit legal businesses and personal choice.

Statistical Disputes and Levy Funding Breakdown

OHID has been criticised over how it presents gambling statistics. In a letter released through a Freedom of Information request, Office for Statistics Regulation head Ed Humpherson said, “We have tried to engage with OHID on several occasions,” and suggested clearer warnings, such as including a prominent disclaimer or banner, to prevent misuse of the data. He said there has been little response and stressed that statistics should support the public good and strengthen public debate.

Meanwhile, DCMS said the statutory gambling levy has raised £120m in its first year since launching on 6 April. Half will fund NHS-led treatment services, 30 percent will go to OHID for prevention work, and the remaining 20 percent will be managed by UK Research and Innovation for academic research into gambling harms.