Strategic focus 3: Setting clear, evidence-based requirements for licensees
The white paper High Stakes - gambling reform for the digital age (opens in new tab) published in April 2023 continues to shape the immediate policy agenda for the gambling market in Great Britain. As the gambling regulator, we made a significant number of commitments.
As we deliver our commitments from the white paper, we aim to ensure that our regulation is as clear and as focused as possible, making it easier for licensees to operate compliantly at the earliest possible opportunity. This is consistent with the National Audit Office’s principles of effective regulation, the Regulators’ Code and our own Statement of Principles.
Commissioning research through funds received from the levy
We will: Develop our role as a commissioning body in the new levy system for research, in collaboration with Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and UKRI to be able to efficiently and transparently utilise the funds received from the levy into projects to address our Evidence Gaps and Priorities work.
Why: This work will ensure that the Gambling Commission is utilising the funds received in a transparent and effective way.
As a result: Stakeholders can have confidence that the funding received is being utilised effectively to enhance the regulatory evidence base.
And the impact for our stakeholders will be: to continue to see that regulation is informed by the strongest evidence and most impactful research.
Implementation of Gambling Act Review (GAR) white paper reforms
We will: Continue to provide expert support to DCMS on the specific Government and industry-led measures set out in the white paper.
Implement the Commission’s role in collection of a new statutory levy as set out in The Gambling Levy Regulations 2025 (opens in new tab).
Implement the changes which we have announced following consultation on the following GAR policy areas:
- Improving customer choice on direct marketing.
- Socially responsible incentives.
- Improved transparency on customer funds in the event of insolvency.
- Empowering consumers through improved customer-led gambling management tools.
Complete the financial risk pilot, consider the findings of both the pilot and separate data collection exercise and publish final decisions on our approach to implementing Financial Risk Assessments. This will also include an assessment of the role of other financial sector tools to support identification of risk, such as the role of open banking.
Complete the current consultation on proposals for gaming machines and the current supplementary consultation for customer-led tools and communicate our plans for implementation of any changes following consultation.
Conduct a review of our Guidance to Licensing Authorities (GLA) to ensure it takes account of GAR changes and is accessible, relevant and impactful for the end user.
Deliver jointly with Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) the model for the evaluation of GAR measures, as developed by the National Centre for Social Research, to understand their individual and collective contributions to the observed outcomes and impacts.
Why: This will set clear, evidence-based requirements whose effectiveness is understood, which support and empower consumers.
As a result: We will continue to ensure that gambling regulation in Great Britain remains appropriate, proportionate and effective in this digital age and supports licensees to be compliant at the earliest opportunity.
And the impact for our stakeholders will be: Assurance that the GAR reforms are being delivered in line with the policy objectives of the white paper, balancing consumer freedoms and choice with protection from gambling harm, and ensuring that learning from reform implementation continues to inform future policy changes.
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Strategic focus 4: Being proactive and addressing issues at the earliest opportunity
Last updated: 7 April 2025
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