The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) values data and evidence in its new 2024 to 2027 strategy.
The UKGC's new 2024-2027 strategy outlines a need for more data. It also calls for better evidence after the White Paper High Stakes. The commission remains faithful to its legal gambling duties. It must prevent gambling from causing disorder and crime to ensure gambling is fair and open.
The focus remains on protecting vulnerable people. It also aims to shield children from the harm of gambling and make the ever-changing iGaming experience safer for all.
The new Gambling Regulations for the Digital Age plan stretches across three years. Duties include further governing gambling duties focused on the interest of the public. Protecting the public maintains confidence and ensures license holders continue to uphold standards.
Gambling Regulations in A Digital Age
Besides the core duties, the UKGC also announced new strategic initiatives. The new 2024-2027 strategy focuses on five main areas across the next three years:
Increasing gambling regulation
Enhancing UKGC core operation functions
Clear evidence-based requirements for licensees
Increasing pro-activeness by addressing issues at the earliest opportunity
Regulating a successful National Lottery
Implementation of New Data Strategy to Improve iGaming Experience
The UKGC will invest in new technology, tools, and skills, the programme includes system and process automation. The regulator aims to increase resources that reduce regulatory burdens.
The Commission wants a better understanding of consumers and the UK gambling market. The UKGC plans to use data science to find issues earlier. They will also use it to update licensees' understanding of compliance.
Marcus Boyle about new gambling regulation in the digital age strategy. It sets how the UKGC will deliver the Gambling White Paper reforms successfully. Also, mention an ambitious programme to increase regulation effectiveness. Improve the use of data via an innovation hub. The UKGC will raise gambling industry standards. It will increase transparency and disrupt illegal operators. Boyle confirms protecting the public in a safe, fair, and crime-free gambling market. Â
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Delivering on the comments by Commission Chair Marcus Boyle: Â The UKGC plans to engage stakeholders more to ensure fair and effective regulation. It will be to the benefit of both players and licensees.
UKGC Seeks to Deepen Understanding of Player Behaviour in Gambling
The Commission aims to increase its understanding of player behaviour. It aims to do this by collecting more data. The UKGC will broaden data-sharing partnerships with gambling operators to achieve its aim. Building on the initiative, first set in motion during the COVID-19 pandemic. UK licensees will access logical requirements based on evidence.
Ensuring it is easy for land-based and online operators to follow the rules. These will be in line with the principles of the National Audit Office (NAO). Follow the White Paper review to accommodate changes that affect how licensees deal with players. Licensees, the public, and consumers stand to gain from fair rules based on evidence. The new laws will highlight what is possible when meeting licensing goals.
Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes is proud of the progress made in recent years.
Including tackling critical issues both consumers and operators face. The next cycle involves delivering on decisions by the government. The goal is an authoritative voice based on data and evidence, which is key in tackling misinformation. Delving into facts to improve outcomes based on resources such as the UKGC survey. Rhodes emphasises the need to learn and share successful approaches. He also stresses the need to keep high standards for gambling.
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National Lottery Focus
National Lottery Focus - The strategic priorities of the UKGC include ensuring the success of the National Lottery.
Since 1994, Camelot operated the lottery and 1 February 2024 marks the first time a new licensee takes over from an existing holder. Since 1 Feb the lottery is operated by Allwyn .
Camelot unsuccessfully challenged the tender process of the UKGC. Allwyn opted to buy the lottery from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board. In the past months, the expected drop in income caused debates. Complaints are mainly based on the handover and alleged ties to Russian banks.
The UKGC will assess the success with measures, including the amount of funds raised for worthy causes and the plans raised by Allwyn during the bidding process.
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