UK To Take A Closer Look At The Effectiveness Of The Gambling Act Review

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 9, 2024

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The UK government is set to evaluate the implementation and impact of reforms proposed in the 2023 Gambling Act Review. This region continues to consider what is best for this industry and moves like these show a great interest in it. 

This effort, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in collaboration with the Gambling Commission, aims to assess whether these measures achieve their intended goals or create unintended consequences. The evaluation will involve various research methods and inputs from multiple stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

The Gambling Act Review white paper, published in April 2023, was designed to update gambling regulations that were last significantly revised in 2005. The 2005 Act predated the rapid rise of online gambling, prompting the need for modernization. Among the key measures already implemented are new stake limits for online slots and plans for a statutory levy on gambling profits, which were confirmed recently.

The evaluation will gather data through consumer and operator surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and tracking initiatives. The project will also incorporate insights from a lived experience panel comprising individuals who have firsthand knowledge of gambling and its associated harms. This panel will work alongside the Gambling Commission’s advisory panel to offer practical perspectives on the policies.

According to the DCMS, the evaluation will examine individual policy measures and their collective effects. The findings are expected to be published in 2026, with the evaluation process beginning soon. 

Cooperation from stakeholders, including industry operators and consumers, is highlighted as essential for the project’s success. Bryony Sheldon, director of policy for the Gambling Commission, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, which will occur through surveys and other planned research efforts.

Recent data from the Gambling Commission reveals that gambling participation in Great Britain has remained steady. Approximately 48% of respondents reported engaging in gambling over the past four weeks, with 20% participating exclusively in lottery draws. 

When lotteries are excluded, overall gambling participation drops to 28%. Scratchcards and sports betting were the most popular non-lottery gambling activities, each with 12% participation.

This evaluation aims to measure the reforms’ effectiveness, balancing consumer protection goals with a sustainable gambling industry. By analyzing the impacts comprehensively, the government seeks to ensure that the updated regulations address modern gambling challenges without unintended adverse effects.