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A new gambling treatment service and helpline is set to be launched across Wales this spring.
The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling-related issues, including family members. It will also be able to refer people onto treatment services.
The new service launches on April 1, with Wales’ mental health minister describing it as a “landmark moment”.
Treatment for gambling-related issues will be accessible through a secure online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely.
The service will be run by north Wales’ Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which will receive £1.3m a year from the Welsh Government to run it.
The north-Walian health board already runs several national helplines, such as the DAN 24/7 drug and alcohol helpline and CALL mental health helpline.
Funding for the scheme comes from money raised from a UK-wide tax on the gambling industry, which came into force in April 2025 and has since raised £120m.
Sarah Murphy, minster for mental health, said: “This is a landmark moment marking 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.”
Ms Murphy added: “Guided by the evidence, we’re confident this approach is the most effective way to deliver essential support for both prevention and treatment.”
Dr Faye Graver, clinical lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi Cadwaladr, said: “We are establishing a specialist gambling treatment service and the Wales Gambling Helpline to provide much-needed support for people struggling with gambling addiction.
“They will provide the necessary support, advice and information not only to people experiencing gambling-related harms, but also their family members and others affected.”
She added: “Research shows tens of thousands of people in Wales need support for gambling related harms and this treatment service will provide this from referral and triage through to aftercare.”
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