Gamban announces free access return in England
Gamban has announced the return of free access to its gambling-blocking software in England following a new funding allocation through the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. The development reverses the provider’s move to a subscription model after the TalkBanStop partnership ended earlier this year.
Government guidance updated November 6 lists Gamban for a provisional allocation of £2,714,063 covering 2026–27 and 2027–28. The published table distinguishes provisional awards from completed grants and states that funding remains subject to final grant agreements. The amount should therefore not be described as money already received.
The government’s qualification is explicit: “This provisional list does not guarantee that these organisations will be funded.” Gamban’s announcement, reported on November 6, described renewed access in England. It did not establish that all existing paid subscriptions would automatically be refunded or converted, or that access would become free worldwide.
Funding changes follow TalkBanStop closure
TalkBanStop combined Gamban’s device-blocking software, GAMSTOP’s online self-exclusion service and GamCare’s support. Gamban said the partnership ended on March 31, after which its service moved to subscriptions in England and Scotland. Free provision continued in Wales under a separate arrangement.
The software blocks gambling websites and apps on users’ devices, including unlicensed services, according to Gamban. This differs from operator-based self-exclusion: the blocking function is installed on the device rather than relying solely on an account restriction at an individual gambling business.
OHID’s prevention and resilience fund forms part of the statutory gambling levy arrangements in England. Its guidance separates prevention funding from NHS England’s treatment grant program. The November update identifies Gamban among the organizations allocated provisional support, while the provider describes working with partners to make protection available to more people without charge.
