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We exist to safeguard players and the wider public by ensuring gambling is fair and safe.
Published: 1 January 2021
Last updated: 4 December 2023
This version was printed or saved on: 29 April 2024
Online version: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/about-us/guide/how-we-regulate
Overview: We exist to safeguard players and the wider public by ensuring gambling is fair and safe.
The main ways we do this is by:
The Gambling Commission’s functions are set out in the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab) as amended by the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 (opens in new tab).
We are required to produce a statement setting out the principles we apply in carrying out our functions. The statement underpins our work and explains the key principles that help us pursue the licensing objectives. This statement does not apply to the exercise of our functions in relation to the National Lottery.
Our Statement of principles for licensing and regulation underpins our work. We have also developed a number of policies which build on that statement and govern how we will carry out certain aspects of our work, including:
Our Corporate Strategy highlights the most important work we intend to deliver over the next three years.
Our strategic objectives for the next three years are:
Our mission is to make gambling fairer and safer. We do that by licensing and regulating in the public interest and providing advice and guidance.
We want a fair and safe gambling market where all consumers and the interests of the wider public are protected.
You can read more corporate documents in our publication scheme.
'When consumers are in a vulnerable situation, they may be significantly less able to understand the risks of gambling and the terms and conditions; and they may be at higher risk of experiencing negative outcomes from gambling.'.
We have produced a statement which summarises our approach to identifying, supporting and protecting consumers who are in vulnerable situations.
It brings together information from existing Gambling Commission policy and guidance documents to help provide consolidated information about how we take account of consumer vulnerability in our work.
It is intended to help gambling businesses, gambling consumers, the general public, and other regulators and organisations understand our approach and expectations.
Our work is funded by fees set by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). These fees are paid by the gambling businesses and individuals we license.
Our work for The National Lottery is paid by a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Fund.
We are committed to be an open and transparent organisation. You can read our publication scheme to find more information, such as our spending reports.