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Information published under the Freedom of Information act and how to make a request for information or Subject Access Request (SAR).
Published: 23 September 2020
Last updated: 4 December 2023
This version was printed or saved on: 29 April 2024
Online version: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us/guide/make-a-freedom-of-information-request
Overview: 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.
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.
You’ll need to provide the following when making an FOI request:
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.
We ask for this information so we can:
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).
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.
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:
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.
Your request for information will be logged and stored in our electronic filing system. Each case file includes the original request, information you've provided to us and any other information relevant to the request.
We may share the details of your request between our internal departments, depending on the subject matter.
If you are making a request about your personal data (or acting on behalf of someone making a request), you’ll need to provide proof of identity. If it's relevant, we'll also ask for information to show you have authority to act on someone else's behalf.
If your request is about information we’ve received from another organisation, we’ll ask the relevant organisation for their view on whether we can disclose the material.
The retention period is set at 3 years from the date of the last action. All information is held in line with our retention schedule.
We keep details of requests to compile statistical reports on performance. We also use them for staff training and development.
We may share your personal data with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as the supervisory authority when required.
If you want to know more about your rights, please refer to the Your Rights section in our privacy statement.
When you send your request, include:
We’d recommend reading the ICO’s guidance on making effective Freedom of Information requests (opens in new tab).
You can make a Freedom of Information request in one of the following ways:
Use our online form to make a request online.
If you have a disability which prevents you from using these methods, we can help you to make your request over the phone.
Telephone: 0121 230 6666.
We publish data on the number of requests we receive and the outcomes of responses.
You can find Freedom of Information data in the publication scheme section of the website.