Cookies on the Gambling Commission website

The Gambling Commission website uses cookies to make the site work better for you. Some of these cookies are essential to how the site functions and others are optional. Optional cookies help us remember your settings, measure your use of the site and personalise how we communicate with you. Any data collected is anonymised and we do not set optional cookies unless you consent.

Set cookie preferences

You've accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. About us
  3. Corporate Governance Framework

Policy

Corporate Governance Framework

Our corporate governance framework sets out the necessary responsibilities and procedures that guarantee we operate properly.

Published
29 October 2021

Last updated
11 December 2023 - Changes

Document actions
Print or save

  1. Contents
  2. The objectives and functions of the Gambling Commission

The objectives and functions of the Gambling Commission

1.10. The statutory licensing objectives that underpin the exercise of the Commission’s functions under the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab) are:

  • preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
  • ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
  • protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

1.11. When exercising its functions under the Gambling Act 2005, the Commission must aim to pursue the licensing objectives and permit gambling, in so far as it is reasonably consistent with the pursuit of the licensing objectives.

1.12. The Commission’s principal functions under the Gambling Act 2005 are to:

  • licence operators and individuals who are involved in the provision of facilities for gambling
  • maintain the regulatory regime, including licence conditions, ensure that it is followed, and take action against those who do not comply with the requirements of the regime. This may include working in partnership with licensing authorities in accordance with the principles originally set out in the concordat entered into between the Commission and Local Government Regulation
  • issue codes of practice regarding the way in which gambling facilities are provided
  • provide guidance to local authorities as to the manner in which they are to exercise their functions under the Gambling Act 2005
  • give advice to the Secretary of State on the incidence, effects, and regulation of gambling as well as the manner in which gambling is carried on.

1.13. The Commission will deliver its responsibilities by:

  • delivering best practice licensing and enforcement and regulating gambling in the public interest, making transparent the principles the Commission will apply in exercising its functions. The Commission has published a ‘Statement of Principles for Licensing and Regulation’ which is published on the Commission’s website
  • providing authoritative advice on gambling and its regulation: building the Commission’s knowledge base through knowledge management, intelligence and research
  • engaging with stakeholders: ensuring that the Commission is accountable, properly balanced and informed in its work
  • developing its employees and organisation: delivering professional, responsive, accountable and fair regulation.

1.14. In relation to the National Lottery, with the Secretary of State, the Commission’s overriding statutory duties are to exercise its functions in a manner it considers will secure that:

  • the National Lottery is run, and every lottery that forms a part of it is promoted, with all due propriety; and
  • the interests of every participant in the lottery are protected.

1.15. Subject to these two duties, when exercising their functions under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (opens in new tab), the Secretary of State and the Commission shall do their best to secure that the net proceeds of the National Lottery are as great as possible.

1.16. The Commission’s principal functions under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 are:

  • running the competition process to select the operator of the National Lottery, and granting the operator’s licence (which may include such conditions as the Commission considers appropriate)
  • licensing each game that the operator wishes to promote, under such conditions as the Commission considers appropriate
  • reviewing the terms of the licences it issues and granting consents under those licences in response to changing circumstances or proposals from the operator
  • checking that the operator meets the conditions of its licences and taking enforcement action where conditions are not met
  • overseeing the operator’s performance to ensure that returns are maximised, in line with its duty to ensure net proceeds are as great as possible, subject to its propriety and player protection duties
  • checking that the operator, those who manage National Lottery business, and those who financially benefit from the National Lottery are fit and proper.

1.17. The Secretary of State is also subject to the duties described above and these provide the context for her/his functions of making regulations and issuing Directions to the Commission under section 11 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Commission must comply with those Directions in the exercise of its National Lottery licensing functions.

Is this page useful?
Back to top