UKGC Boss Andrew Rhodes Unhappy With the Use of Gambling Statistics

Article by : Erik Gibbs Aug 16, 2023

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A letter addressing the dangers of the misrepresentation of gambling statistics was published by the CEO of one of Europe’s most essential gaming authorities. The UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) Andrew Rhodes proceeded with the publication to warn stakeholders about the evident inconsistencies in statistics and how they’re represented in the media.

In the letter, Rhodes reaffirmed and clarified that there can always be different opinions and perspectives when looking at gaming stats. Rhodes occasionally appeals to personal remarks and even conspiracies that a particular elite group or organization is responsible for the incongruent publication of gaming stats.

Yet, the CEO of the UKGC also recognized that the Commission had evidenced the misuse of this data. It’s not the fact, therefore, that misrepresentation of the stats has increased, which concerns Rhodes the most.

Instead, it’s the fact the gaming regulator has traced and evidenced these issues and yet may have yet to act appropriately to either control or prevent them. To gaming experts, this is Rhodes’ primary concern.

Rhodes went on and describe how a strategy to mislead or misemploy data is currently being pursued by various organizations. These groups have taken a deep interest in the gaming industry and are also concerned about reforms applied to the business.

Yet, not just one type of organization is partaking in the submission and mishandling of gaming stats. Operators, trade associations, charitable organizations, media outlets, and athletic venue owners are all participating in this growing issue.

Rhodes mentioned that parties of interest frequently cited statistics during the two-year Gambling Act review. This review culminated in publishing of the White Paper in April and the beginning of its revision process, which opens the floor to proposals for modifications.

The UKGC claims that it has observed an ever-increasing misuse of gaming data. Yet, the issues lie in all the problems caused by the evident misrepresentation errors made during the process. More notably, the UKGC finds it particularly harmful and frustrating when estimates of the magnitude of gambling-related harm in the UK are made using data from the PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index). The issue lies in the fact that the data itself is downplayed and needs to adequately address the issue’s magnitude.

Specific examples were provided, such as the fact that only 0.3% of gamblers suffer from addiction and harms related to excessive gaming. Rhodes claims that considering 99.7% of all gamblers in the UK to be responsible participants in the business is a false assertion and manipulation of the information.