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Statement of code compliance

Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). This statement sets out how the Gambling Commission complies with the core principles of the Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code) (opens in new tab). We are committed to the principles underlying the Code, so that users can have confidence that we are dedicated to delivering the best possible outputs. This statement will be reviewed regularly to ensure it is up to date and relevant.

The Code of Practice for Statistics is based on 3 core principles:

  • trustworthiness - building confidence in the people and organisations that produce statistics and data
  • quality - using suitable data and methods that produce assured statistics
  • value - producing statistics that support society’s needs for information.

Trustworthiness

Building confidence in the people and organisations that produce statistics and data.

Show integrity - All our official statistics are prepared by or overseen by our team of analysts, who are accountable to our Head of Statistics and the Director for Research and Statistics. Statistics are presented impartially and objectively.

Lead responsibly - The Head of Statistics ensures that the Code of Practice for Statistics is implemented. Their role includes promoting continual improvements in publications. All our statistical outputs are produced impartially and approved by the Head of Statistics and/or the Director of Research and Statistics. The content and timing of each statistical release is determined by the Head of Statistics, impartially and in line with user needs. Revisions are signed off by the Head of Statistics and updated in line with our Revisions Policy. We promote use of the Code to ensure data and statistics are managed and used appropriately.

Be transparent - All statistical releases and accompanying documentation are published on our website. A full 12 month release calendar with pre-announced provisional and confirmed publication dates is reviewed and updated regularly. Statistics publications are published at 9:30am on the day of release, and each release from October 2026 will be accompanied by a published pre-release access list. Our release practices are set out in our Release practice policy, which is designed to promote transparency.

Manage data responsibly - We have processes in place to ensure that data is collected, accessed and shared in accordance with data management policies. Any personal, commercial and sensitive data is handled appropriately, and we work closely with our data management teams to ensure best practice is followed. Our approach to managing data will be detailed in our upcoming Data management policy.

Quality

Prioritise quality - Our Quality management approach sets out how we prioritise and assure the quality of our statistics. We continually encourage learning and improvement to support a quality culture and ensure that clear quality assurance and sign-off processes are in place for all statistical releases. We work closely with data suppliers to ensure there is a common understanding of why quality matters.

Be rigorous - Our statistics and data sources are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet the quality standards expected. Where possible, we follow national and international good practice, standards and classifications to ensure statistics are high quality and provide public value. Where there might be a quality concern, we investigate this in a timely manner and communicate this to users.

Be open about quality - Information on quality is published alongside each official statistics release. This often includes detailed information on data sources, collection and methodology information and potential bias or quality implications. Statistics are appropriately badged according to their quality level, with clear communication where statistics are being developed and tested. Any revisions due to errors are amended in a timely manner and clearly highlighted and explained to users.

Value

Be relevant - We have a dedicated mailbox (statistics@gamblingcommission.gov.uk) for user enquiries, and we ensure we regularly review feedback from users. We work closely with a range of users, including policy colleagues, public bodies, our lived experience advisory group, academics and businesses to ensure our statistics are fit for purpose. Our approach to engaging with external users is set out in our Public involvement and engagement strategy.

Be clear - we aim to release relevant and clear statistics and data on a range of gambling related topics. Some statistics releases are accompanied by a report, summarising the main messages, via commentary and charts and visualisations. We collaborate with subject matter experts to promote coherence wherever possible.

Be accessible – We provide free and equal access to regular and ad hoc published statistics. Our statistics, data and related guidance are all easy to access and published in accessible formats, following the web-accessibility guidelines and Analysis Function guidance (opens in new tab). We are committed to providing data at the greatest level of detail practical, including publishing sub-national breakdowns where possible, in line with user requirements. Microdata from our large surveys are available through the UK Data Service.

We produce the following official statistics in line with the principles and protocols set out by the Code of Practice for Statistics (opens in new tab):

  • Gambling Survey for Great Britain
  • Young People and Gambling Survey
  • Industry Statistics
  • National Lottery Distribution Fund
  • Licensing Authority Statistics.

Compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics means that users can have confidence in our statistics and that our statistics are robust, reliable and accurate. Our statistics are reviewed and developed regularly to ensure that they continue to support the public need for information and our regulatory remit.

Feedback

You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards by emailing statistics@gamblingcommission.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website (opens in new tab).

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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