UK Gambling Commission updates corporate strategy with new three-year plan

The Gambling Commission has unveiled its revised three-year corporate strategy, outlining key areas of focus for regulatory work from 2024 to 2027.

Titled Gambling Regulation in a Digital Age, the strategy reflects the Commission’s dedication to implementing decisions outlined in the government's White Paper "High Stakes - Gambling Reform for the Digital Age".

Key priorities include leveraging data and analytics for more effective regulation, enhancing core operational functions, establishing evidence-based requirements for licensees, and overseeing the National Lottery's successful regulation.

The strategy also prioritizes key cross-cutting enablers, including a review of the Commission's people plan, approach to stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the UKGC has the right resources to regulate effectively, according to a statement.

Commission Chair Marcus Boyle said: "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."

Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes highlighted the Commission's commitment to maintaining high standards for gambling consumers through evidence-based approaches, collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, and international cooperation to address common challenges like illegal gambling.

"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," he said.

"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," Rhodes added.

The announcement comes amid the UKGC's ongoing regulatory efforts in the UK, including a recent penalty fee imposed on bet365 for social responsibility and anti-money laundering deficiencies.