GamCare Expands Free Gambling Harm Treatment Across Scottish Highlands and Islands
TL;DR — GamCare is rolling out free CBT-based treatment and prevention services to the Scottish Highlands, Islands, Shetland and Orkney. The three-year program until March 2029 is funded by the Scottish share of the UK statutory Levy on Gambling Harms. YouGov data shows 8% of Scottish gamblers surveyed reported potential problems.
SCCG Take — This targeted rollout tests whether levy-funded localised delivery can close access gaps in remote regions. Operators should note the emphasis on prevention partnerships and industry-specific outreach as signals of rising expectations for regional support.
GamCare is extending its problem gambling support network to the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The UK’s leading advice, intervention and treatment service for problem gambling announced the move to deliver localised services in some of the country’s most remote communities, including Shetland, Orkney and Highland areas.
The expansion is funded by the Scottish government through its allocation of the UK-wide statutory Levy on Gambling Harms. Resources have been committed for three years until March 2029.
Localised Treatment Delivery
GamCare will offer free treatment sessions for anyone struggling with gambling activity across the Northern Isles and Highland areas. Sessions will be delivered online and by telephone by trained practitioners using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. The charity will also run prevention and educational initiatives in partnership with local organisations to raise awareness, identify signs of problematic behaviour and direct people to support.
The funding additionally supports continued operation of the National Gambling Helpline across Scotland. Lorraine Hannah, Outreach and Engagement Practitioner at GamCare, said the expansion addresses real gaps. “It is very encouraging to bring GamCare’s support into these communities, many of which may not have known there are dedicated gambling harms services available if they are struggling,” Hannah added. She noted anecdotal evidence of elevated harms among workers in fishing and offshore oil and gas, industries prominent in northern Scotland.
Evidence of Need and Next Steps
A YouGov survey of more than 3,700 UK adults found that 8% of respondents in Scotland who had gambled in the previous year said they had at some point felt they might have a problem with their gambling. Hannah stated that isolation, boredom and access to online gambling can increase risk in rural and island areas. “We have already heard anecdotal insights of how people working in fishing and on oil rigs may be experiencing a high degree of gambling harm, and we want anyone affected to know that support is available.”
The initiative forms part of the new structure of the Levy on Gambling Harms, overseen by the NHS, NHS England UK Research and Innovation and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, with 30% allocated for prevention. As first reported by SBC News, it represents a frontline commitment to reach communities that previously had limited access to specialist treatment.
Where Local Access Gaps Persist
The three-year commitment provides a defined window to test delivery models in remote settings. Operators and regulators will watch whether consistent online and telephone provision can meaningfully reduce barriers in areas where physical services remain impractical, and whether the prevention partnerships translate into earlier identification of harms before they escalate.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Levy-funded regional expansion into remote areas signals rising expectations for operators to support localized, industry-specific harm prevention partnerships.
We've watched levy structures evolve across every regulated market. This Scottish rollout is a proof-of-concept: can statutory funds close access gaps in hard-to-reach populations? The focus on specific industries — fishing, offshore oil — shows regulators want operators to move beyond generic disclaimers into real community partnerships.
- Free CBT treatment for Highlands, Islands, Shetland, Orkney through March 2029, levy-funded
- 8% of Scottish gamblers surveyed reported potential problems; remote workers flagged as higher risk
- Prevention partnerships and industry-specific outreach now expected alongside treatment access
SCCG angle: We help operators turn levy compliance into strategic advantage. Our UK network includes regional treatment providers and policy advisors who can structure partnership models that meet emerging localized expectations — and build trust where it counts.
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