Does the levy-funded North Wales treatment service undermine the National Gambling Helpline?

Government in Wales has unveiled a gambling helpline funded by the UK statutory levy, however, concerns remain that the funding transition will exacerbate fragmentation concerns.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3m in funding from the Welsh Government to run the helpline, which will provide information, advice and support to those affected by gambling-related harms in Wales and go live on 1 April.

Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, described the decision as a ‘landmark moment’ for gambling harm treatment in Wales.

She said: “[This marks] the first time specialist gambling treatment and support services will be available from the NHS in Wales. The helpline will be a form of open access support available to people who need it the most and fits into the ambitions of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”

According to Dr Faye Graver, the Clinical Lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, tens..