New two-year program will focus on gambling harm prevention in Wales

A new program will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of gambling and preventing harm across Wales.

The two-year program is supported by Public Health Wales (PHW), which joined forces with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) to launch the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund.

The program covers two years and up to £1.4m funding

The two-year program will support voluntary, community and social enterprise organizations that can deliver gambling harm prevention activities across Wales, and £1.4m is dedicated specifically for those purposes.

The funding of the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grand Fund will include up to £700,000 per year for a two-year period.

Eligible organizations, including but not limited to community interest companies, registered charities and voluntary groups will be able to apply for up to £75,000 in funding annually.

A press release by PHW confirms that applications will be open starting from August 31, 2026, through October 19, 2026.

A webinar organized by PHW and WCVA, planned for August 12, 2026, will release additional details.

"The fund is open to organizations of all sizes, local or national. If your organization can make a difference for people in Wales, PHW and WCVA want to hear from you," PHW wrote.

According to Helen Erswell, a Consultant in Public Health for the Gambling-Related Harms Program at PHW, the new two-year program will provide invaluable support to organizations that help people who are most affected by gambling harm.

"It will deliver prevention and early intervention, focusing on addressing inequalities and reaching those most at risk of harm," she added.

Finally, Erswell pointed out: "It’s a crucial moment for tackling gambling-related harm in Wales, and we encourage any organization passionate about making a difference to apply."

Program will focus on preventing gambling harm and supporting communities at risk

PHW anticipates collaborating with organizations that can work with communities at most risk.

Such include people affected by another person’s gambling, individuals, who may have faced issues with the criminal justice system or people impacted by financial hardship.

The activities those organizations can provide under the two-year program include prevention that superficially targets high-risk populations, raising public awareness of the dangers of gambling and de-normalization of at-risk and harmful gambling behaviors, as well as supporting people impacted by another person’s gambling.

What’s more, the program would cover activities that focus on the development of new and innovative approaches to problem gambling prevention, among other initiatives.

It is worth noting that all funded activities must be deliveredacrossWales.

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