UKGC Gambling Comission chief delivers timely update on white paper consultations

Article by : Charles Perrin Sep 28, 2023

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The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) executive chief Tim Miller insists speed is of the essence with the next stage of the gambling white paper consultations looming.

As part of a comprehensive review of the Gambling Act of 2005, the UKGC has fielded responses from gambling operators on how the industry could be improved.

Tackling problem gambling has been a cornerstone of the plan, but there are also discussions to breathe life into outdated rules placing restrictions on casinos and bingo halls.

With the next batch of the consultation process closing next month, the UKGC is facing a race against time to wrap this stage up without further delay.

Over 1,800 responses have been lodged following four extensive rounds of summer consultations. Miller is under no illusions about the extent of the task facing the UKGC, especially with another tranche of talks expected early next year and a complete gambling survey earmarked.

Speaking at the Regulating the Game conference earlier this week, Miller said: “Ultimately, I would urge anyone interested in this consultation, mainly if you’ve been worried about what you may have heard, to actually read what we’ve published at the start of September and then share your views.

“We will continue to work at pace, but as we’ve said before since the White Paper was published, we are focusing on getting it right. More haste less speed remain the aim.

“There is a lot of work. We know that. And we know that pulling together substantive and constructive submissions for gambling operators, researchers, and others takes time and resources.”

Moreover, the white paper covers over 60 areas of work, and a full review could take years to complete.

However, Miller has made it abundantly clear that there are deadlines, so the UKGC can collate responses and move forward with purpose.

Should everything go according to plan, the new white paper will provide the UK with a gold standard gambling framework that could make them the envy of other countries across the world.