A well-regulated gambling market
Gambling remains a popular and mainstream pastime in Great Britain.
The British gambling market has experienced a period of growth driven by the increase in online gambling (including the use of mobile devices). Our evidence shows that while headline gambling participation is not increasing, the ways people gamble are changing.
Many people enjoy gambling. But for some, gambling poses serious risks and can cause devastating harm both directly and indirectly.
Our regulation must balance consumer choice and the enjoyment gambling can bring against the risks gambling presents to some consumers and wider society. It is not an easy balance. Changes in consumer behaviour and emerging technology create new risks and opportunities for regulation to keep pace with.
Public trust and confidence in gambling has declined over recent years. There is significant public concern about the visibility of gambling and the impact this may have on children, young people and others who might be vulnerable. Although gambling is recognised as a legitimate leisure activity, it must be licensed and regulated to ensure consumers and the wider public are protected.
As the gambling regulator, our duties are to aim to permit gambling, provided we are satisfied it is reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives to:
- prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder
- ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed by gambling.
The Licensing objectives do not belong to us alone. They are the basis of the regulatory framework for gambling, and so they must belong to the gambling industry as well.
The National Lottery
We are also responsible for awarding licences to run and for regulating The National Lottery. This includes running the competition to hold the Fourth National Lottery Licence and ensuring a smooth transition between the Third and Fourth Licences.
We ensure The National Lottery is run in a way that ensures:
- propriety
- participants’ interests are protected (and subject to those two duties)
- proceeds from The National Lottery are as great as possible.
Our strategy reflects these objectives and duties, along with our statutory duty to provide advice to government.
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Our mission
Last updated: 31 March 2021
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