UK Launches Largest National Gambling Harms Research Centre Backed By Levy Funding

The UK has launched its largest independent gambling harms research initiative, with UK Research and Innovation supporting a new Evidence Centre to strengthen policy and treatment strategies.

The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre is funded through the government’s Gambling Levy and will work across government, healthcare, charities and individuals with lived experience. 

It will also collaborate with the wider research community to generate independent, evidence-led insights for improving policy, practice and public understanding.

Leading universities take responsibility for national research programme

The centre will be jointly led by the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea and King’s College London.

Its mandate includes overseeing a national research programme focused on gambling harm, expanding research reach and coordinating ecosystem partners. The centre will also explore how UKRI and other data assets can be used to generate new evidence and improve analysis.

“Gambling harms can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities,” said Christopher Smith, executive chair of the Arts and Humanities Council within the UKRI. “This is a major step in building the high-quality research base needed to inform better policy, prevention and treatment across the UK.”

Researchers call for reset after years of underinvestment

Heather Wardle, professor of gambling research and policy at the University of Glasgow, described the initiative as a “vital reset.” She will be leading the centre.

“For too long, gambling research has been under-resourced and overlooked,” she said. “New funding through the Levy and UKRI marks a vital reset. It strengthens the quality and scale of gambling harms research and ensures policy is driven by rigorous, independent evidence.

“Putting lived experience at the heart of our work, we look forward to collaborating widely to deepen understanding of and reduce the serious harms associated with gambling.”

As part of this approach, Martin Jones has been appointed as lived experience lead, bringing direct insight into the realities of gambling harm into the research process.

Independence from industry positioned as core foundation

A central feature of the new centre is its independence from the gambling industry. It is the first UK research facility to operate without sector involvement.

“A strong governance and integrity framework safeguards this autonomy,” the centre said. “It ensures the centre operates without external influence and remains a credible and trusted source of research on gambling harms.

“The centre’s independence guarantees evidence produced by GHR-UK remains protected from external commercial interference.”

The United Kingdom has launched its largest gambling harms research initiative. Backed by funds from the Gambling Levy, this center is focused on expanding research on gambling harms and organising partners. The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will be headed by Heather Wardle, while Martin Jones has been selected as lived experience lead.