Key Moments:
- The Gambling Commission has implemented significant changes following the 2023 White Paper, including new financial checks and tighter age-verification rules.
- From April to early August, regulators issued 344 Cease and Desist notices and reported 45,674 URLs to search engines, resulting in the removal of 30,605 URLs.
- The Commission emphasized a commitment to evidence-based evaluation and highlighted ongoing collaboration with other authorities and organizations.
Recent Regulatory Developments
The Gambling Commission detailed recent advancements achieved under the current regulatory reform agenda in Britain. Following the publication of the Gambling Act Review White Paper in 2023, the Commission quickly enacted a series of changes designed to strengthen consumer protection and improve industry standards.
Key Initiatives | Description |
---|---|
Financial Vulnerability Checks | Introduced mandatory checks using public data for individuals meeting a £150 threshold over a 30-day rolling period. |
Direct Marketing Controls | Enabled consumers to have more control over the marketing materials they receive from gambling operators. |
Online Product Adjustments | Implemented new regulations to reduce the speed and intensity of online games and improve clarity around gameplay. |
Age Verification Enhancements | Strengthened age checks, obligating staff to verify anyone appearing under 25 and requiring smaller licensees to conduct test purchases. |
We now welcome Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB), to deliver the second keynote speech at today’s #GamblingReformSummit pic.twitter.com/pM0wkAYx0L
— Peers for Gambling Reform (@pgreform) September 3, 2025
Measuring Impact and Evidence-Based Reforms
The executive director underscored the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of newly implemented reforms. In partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the National Centre for Social Research, a shared evaluation plan has been established for the White Paper program. The Commission stressed that all reform outcomes would be measured based on evidence, rather than intuition or belief.
Actions Against the Illegal Market
The Commission reported intensified efforts against illegal gambling activities. From the beginning of the Financial Year in April through early August, actions taken included the distribution of 344 Cease and Desist orders to advertisers and operators, the reporting of 45,674 URLs to search engines (leading to the removal of 30,605 URLs), 466 website referrals for delisting, and the disruption (by takedown or geo-blocking) of 235 websites.
Division of Regulatory Responsibilities
The Gambling Commission clarified its statutory remit, which does not extend to the inspection of individual gambling premises – a responsibility assigned to local authorities under the Gambling Act. The executive director reaffirmed the Commission’s ongoing support role, providing oversight and guidance to local authorities, but emphasized that the Commission would remain focused on its national regulatory duties unless government funding structures are significantly altered.
Continued Enforcement and Next Steps
The Commission reiterated its dedication to enforcing compliance among licensed operators. Measures this year have included suspending licenses, removing non-compliant operators, issuing financial sanctions, and increasing scrutiny on Personal Management Licence holders. The Commission remains proactive in countering illegal gambling activities and holding the industry to high standards.
Conclusion
The executive director encouraged stakeholders to prioritize the delivery and measurement of current reforms, asserting that effective implementation and evaluation will offer the strongest protections for consumers. The Commission committed to ongoing vigilance and continual improvement as the regulatory environment evolves.
- Author
Daniel Williams
