Gambling-related harms

Gambling-related harms can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities across Wales, affecting health, relationships, finances and wellbeing. 
 
The Gambling-Related Harms Programme will build a coordinated evidence-based approach to the prevention of these harms across the country through raising awareness, destigmatisation and early intervention. Following a remit from Welsh Government, the programme will be delivered jointly by Public Health Wales and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, leading on prevention and treatment respectively.  

Our aim

We are working to create a Wales where people live longer, healthier lives. The Gambling-Related Harms Programme will help by reducing exposure to harmful gambling, de-normalising gambling promotion and availability and embedding early prevention, particularly for those most affected.

Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund

In partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Public Health Wales has launched the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund, a two-year programme that will support voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to deliver gambling harm prevention activity across Wales. 

The fund will provide up to £700,000 per year over a two-year period, with organisations able to apply for up to £75,000 annually. 

It is open to registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and social enterprises. All funded activity must be delivered in Wales. 

Public Health Wales is particularly keen to hear from organisations working with communities most at risk, including people experiencing financial hardship, those in contact with the criminal justice system and those affected by another person’s gambling.  

Eligible activities include but are not limited to: 

• Public awareness and de-normalisation of harmful gambling behaviours 

• Targeted prevention for higher-risk populations 

• Community outreach and social action
• Support for those affected by others’ gambling 
• New and innovative approaches to prevention 

All activities will have an impact on the long-term prevention of gambling harms, whether through raising awareness, incorporating lived experience or even developing evidence of what effective intervention looks like. 

Applications will open on 31 August 2026. If you wish to find out more before then, a joint Public Health Wales and WCVA information webinar will be held on 12 August.

To sign up, please visit WCVA’s webinar registration page.