Standards

Research governance framework 

The Gambling Commission's Research Governance Framework.

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Published
30 April 2026

Last updated
30 April 2026 - Changes

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Contents

• Research governance framework 

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• Introduction
• • Research at the Gambling Commission
  • The Research Governance Framework
  • Developing and updating the research governance framework
• Ethical gambling research
• • Introduction to ethical gambling research
  • Core research principles and guidelines for ethical gambling research
  • Research involving AI
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Research misconduct
• Ethical approval for gambling research with human participants
• • Which projects require ethical approval
  • General considerations for ethical approval in gambling research
  • The ethical approval process
• The peer review process
• Roles and responsibilities
• Other external research involvement
• Research data governance
• • General principles of research data governance and research data safeguarding
  • What documents are required?
  • Data sharing
• Dissemination of research
• Monitoring, review and data corrections
• Appendices
• • Appendix 1: Ethics Checklist for projects requiring full Ethical Approval
  • Appendix 2: Data management plan checklist checklist
  • Appendix 3: Peer review checklist
  • Appendix 4: Research misconduct

2.2 - Core research principles and guidelines for ethical gambling research

Our overarching research principles that we set for all research carried out or commissioned by us are governed by these key principles.

Honesty, transparency and accountability

Honesty, transparency and accountability in all aspects of the research including data collection and analytical methodologies, declaring potential conflicts of interests and acknowledging the use of tools such as emerging technologies. Any errors should be corrected as soon as possible (see Revisions and corrections policy). Research should follow clear lines of accountability and adhere to open research practices where possible.

Rigour and integrity

Rigour and integrity are demonstrated by research that adheres to acceptable research standards including the use of appropriate methods, drawing interpretations and conclusions from research, and communicating findings. Researchers should be open about research limitations and how these impact the insights and recommendations made and be transparent about how methods and findings relate to the wider evidence base. Context dependent concepts like repeatability, representativeness, reproducibility, replicability, reliability, validity, trustworthiness, credibility, authenticity and meta-research are of equal importance to establish quality.

Care and respect

Care and respect are expected for everyone involved in the research process and should be extended to all participants in research. Care and respect must also be shown for the integrity of the research record.

Objectivity and impartiality

As a regulator, we aim to be impartial and objective in the research we carry out or commission while keeping the legal obligation of the Commission in mind. Research should be designed to collect evidence that reflects a range of views and should aim to involve people with lived experience where appropriate and relevant. Research analysis and conclusions should seek to ensure that audiences receive a balanced view of the evidence we generate.

Research conducted in other countries

Research conducted in other countries, or collaborating with researchers and organisations in other countries, should comply with the legal and ethical requirements existing in the UK and in the countries where the research is conducted. Organisations and researchers based abroad who participate in our research projects should comply with the legal and ethical requirements existing in the UK as well as those of their own country. More guidance on collaborative working can be found in the UKRIO code of practice (opens in new tab) (PDF).

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Introduction to ethical gambling research Next section
Research involving AI

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Last updated: 30 April 2026

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