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GamProtect

Request date
3 May 2026

Outcome
Partial exemption

Document actions
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Request

Please provide the following information, where held, in an aggregated numerical format. This request includes, but is not limited to, data held within existing reports, internal dashboards, spreadsheets, or compiled datasets for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:

System Failures/Breaches: The total number of recorded instances where an individual registered on the GamProtect system was nevertheless able to gamble, place a bet, or use online gambling facilities. (Note: If the Commission uses alternative terminology such as 'regulatory non-compliance,' 'operator self-reports,' or 'incident reports' for these events, please provide the totals under those classifications).

Prevented Attempts: The total number of recorded instances where the GamProtect system successfully flagged or blocked a registered individual from gambling or opening an account.

GamProtect Complaints: The total number of complaints or "contacts" received by the Commission that specifically reference or relate to "GamProtect."

Registered Volume: The total number of individuals registered on the GamProtect system as of 31 March 2026.

Response

Thank you for your request which has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

In your email you have requested the following information, where held, in an aggregated numerical format. This request includes, but is not limited to, data held within existing reports, internal dashboards, spreadsheets, or compiled datasets for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:

  1. System Failures/Breaches: The total number of recorded instances where an individual registered on the GamProtect system was nevertheless able to gamble, place a bet, or use online gambling facilities. (Note: If the Commission uses alternative terminology such as 'regulatory non-compliance,' 'operator self-reports,' or 'incident reports' for these events, please provide the totals under those classifications).

The Gambling Commission do not provide comment on any information held regarding the receipt of specific information, unless it is in the public interest to do so. As such, we are unable to confirm or deny whether we hold any information within the scope of your request. Section 31(3) of the FOIA (Law Enforcement) exemption applies.

Section 31(3) (“Law Enforcement”) provides that the duty to confirm or deny does not arise if, or to the extent that compliance with section 1(1)(a) would or would be likely to, prejudice any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1).

Having acknowledged that the Commission is not able to confirm or deny whether we hold any information within the scope of this part of your request, section 31 of the FOIA requires that we consider a public interest test to identify whether there is a wider public interest in fulfilling this request as opposed to maintaining the exemption.

Arguments in favour of disclosure

  • We acknowledge that there is a legitimate public interest in promoting the accountability and transparency of the Commission.
  • Further to this, it is important that there is sufficient information in the public domain, so consumers have an understanding of the regulatory activity that the Commission is taking.

Arguments in favour of maintaining the exemption

  • The Commission is not a complaint handling body whereby such statistics/information would be an indicator of performance against our statutory duties. A record of consumer complaints (which may include information within the scope of your request) is maintained to contribute towards the Gambling Commission’s assessment of an operator’s suitability to continue holding a licence, not to act on behalf of individuals. The amount of information released is carefully considered in order to protect the integrity of the Commissions work.
  • There is an expectation of confidence in much of the Commission’s work, particularly regarding stakeholders, confirming this information would impact on the openness of stakeholders when sharing important information with us or other law enforcement agencies. It is the impact on this work of the Commission which is more likely to be affected by disclosure.
  • Finally, the Commission relies on a variety of sources sharing information in order to function as a regulatory body. Discussing within the public domain information (at any level of detail) which has been passed to us may deter these sources from sharing important material with us, as such prejudicing our regulatory functions

Weighing the balance

Given the points considered, disclosure of the information would be damaging to the Commission as a regulatory body which serves to protect the wider public interest. Ultimately, the Commission believes that the interests of the public are better served through maintaining the exemption, therefore we are not in a position to confirm or deny whether we hold any information in relation to this part of your request

  1. Prevented Attempts: The total number of recorded instances where the GamProtect system successfully flagged or blocked a registered individual from gambling or opening an account.

I can confirm that no information falling within the scope of this part of your request is held by the Gambling Commission.

  1. GamProtect Complaints: The total number of complaints or "contacts" received by the Commission that specifically reference or relate to "GamProtect."

I can confirm that during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, the Gambling Commission Contact Centre has been contacted on seven occasions relating specifically to GamProtect.

  1. Registered Volume: The total number of individuals registered on the GamProtect system as of 31 March 2026.

A total of 12,778 individuals were registered with GamProtect as of 20 March 2026.

Review of the decision

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your Freedom of Information request you are entitled to an internal review of our decision. You should write to FOI Team, Gambling Commission, 4th floor, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP or by reply to this email. 

Please note, internal review requests should be made within 40 working days of the initial response. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.

If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have already exhausted the review procedure provided by the Gambling Commission. 

It should be noted that if you wish to raise a complaint with the ICO about the Commission’s handling of your request for information, then you are required to do so within six weeks of receiving your final response or last substantive contact with us.

The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office (opens in a new tab), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Information Management Team
Gambling Commission

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