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How to make a freedom of information request

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (opens in new tab) gives anyone the right to request recorded information that is held by a public authority.

Before you make a request

Check the information you’re looking for isn’t already published in our publication scheme. If your request is for information about yourself (such as your personal data) you should make a subject access request.

What we ask for

You’ll need to provide the following when making an FOI request:

  • your name
  • your address or email address
  • details of what you are asking for

There is guidance on making effective Freedom of Information requests on the ICO website (opens in new tab).

Let us know if you’d like to receive the information in a particular format, such as large print or audio format.

Why we ask for this

We ask for this information so we can:

  • respond to you
  • contact you if we need more information from you about your request
  • update you on the progress of your request

We will also use these details in any subsequent complaint into the handling or outcome of a request. If you don't provide the information we need, we won't be able to process your request.

This is so we can comply with our obligations under the following laws.

The legal basis for asking for this information is outlined in article 6(1)(C) (opens in new tab) of the GDPR.

If you are asking for environmental information, we will consider this under the Environmental Information Regulations (2004) (opens in new tab).

When you’ll get a response

You should expect the information within 20 working days of sending your request. The 20 days starts the first working day after we receive the request.

If we need to contact you to clarify anything, the 20 days will start once we’ve received this additional information.

Will I get all the information I request?

We are a transparent organisation and aim to give you the information you request. However, we can’t disclose information if it’s exempt under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (opens in new tab) This can include personal or other confidential data.

As a public authority we also have the right not to deal with requests in certain cases.

We’ll refuse an entire request under the following circumstances:

  • it would cost too much
  • it would take too much staff time to deal with the request
  • the request repeats a previous request from the same person
  • the request is ‘vexatious’. This means it would cause an unjustifiable level of distress, disruption or irritation.

What if I am unhappy with the reply?

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is responsible for making sure that organisations behave in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (opens in new tab).

If you’re not happy with the reply, first you should request an internal review from us at the Gambling Commission. Someone who was not involved in the original response will look at your case then give you a decision.

After this step, if you’re still not happy with the reply you can complain directly to the ICO (opens in new tab). The ICO will investigate your complaint further.

Next page
How we handle requests

Last updated: 8 August 2024

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