The UK Gambling Commission has published its Corporate Strategy 2024 to 2027, explaining the key areas of the British gambling market that the regulator will focus on over the next three years.
The strategy – ‘Gambling regulation in a digital age’ – is part of the UKGC’s commitment to delivering the proposals set out within the UK Government’s White Paper ‘High stakes – Gambling reform for the digital age’.
It also recognises the commission’s understanding of the gambling industry and developments since 2021, including the awarding of the fourth National Lottery licence, as well as experience in regulating including evidence from casework, consumer engagement, research, data and input from stakeholders such as advisory groups.
In particular, the UKGC has highlighted five key areas for the next three-year period: using data and analytics to make gambling regulation more effective; enhancing core operational functions; setting clear evidence-based requirements for licencees; being proactive and addressing issues at the earliest opportunity; and regulating a successful National Lottery.
“Our new three-year strategy ‘Gambling regulation in a digital age’ sets out how we will deliver the reforms set out in the Government’s gambling white paper, and successfully regulate the National Lottery under a new licensee,” commented Marcus Boyle, Chair of the UKGC.
“We are also setting out an ambitious programme to enhance the effectiveness of our regulation. A new data innovation hub will foster the smarter use of data. We will increase the transparency of our work to raise standards in the gambling industry, and we will be creative in disrupting those who seek to operate illegally.
“I want a fair, safe, and crime-free gambling market where consumers and the interests of the wider public are protected. This strategy will improve gambling regulation and move us closer to that vision.”
The UKGC’s strategy will prioritise “key cross-cutting enablers”, including a review of its people plan and approach to stakeholder engagement, as well as making sure the right resources to regulate effectively are in place.
In addition, the commission said that delivering these commitments will improve the way it works to ensure “gambling is fairer, safer, and crime-free for the benefit of consumers, the wider public, and licensees”.
Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the UKGC, stated: “I am proud of how far the Commission has come in the last few years. We’ve tackled some of the critical issues facing operators and consumers, but the next cycle will involve delivering on some of the key decisions that we and the government have taken.
“Our objective is to be the authoritative voice on evidence and data, to tackle misinformation, delve into the facts, and help bring about improved outcomes for the public. Our Gambling Survey for Great Britain is one example of how we aim to embrace new data and intelligence.
“It is vital we maintain high standards for gambling consumers, working with industry to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity. We will continue to work across borders to tackle common issues like illegal gambling, and to learn and share regulatory best practice.”