Key Moments:
- The Gambling Commission has published six detailed evidence roadmaps outlining research priorities for the coming years.
- The research focus aligns with the statutory gambling levy introduced in April.
- The regulator has introduced a Research Reporting Form to enhance transparency and facilitate future updates.
Refined Research Priorities Unveiled
The British Gambling Commission has introduced six comprehensive evidence roadmaps as it advances its strategic approach under the statutory gambling levy, first brought into effect in April. These new documents mark the next progression in the regulator’s commitment to strengthening policy and regulatory decisions through targeted research.
The roadmaps offer improved clarity and specificity over the previous Evidence Gaps and Priorities framework, giving stakeholders a better understanding of how research questions will impact future policy and regulation.
Six Core Research Themes
Each roadmap identifies essential questions, uncertainties, and evidence requirements across six distinct themes:
- Early gambling experiences and gateway products
- The range and variability of gambling experiences
- Gambling-related harms and vulnerability
- The impact of operator practices
- Product characteristics and risk
- Illegal gambling and crime
Stakeholder Feedback Shapes Strategy
This revised methodology responds to feedback from researchers, academics, policymakers, industry figures, and individuals with lived experience of gambling harms. According to the Commission, several respondents perceived the previous themes as overly broad and lacking in actionable guidance. The updated approach is designed to sharpen the focus of future research for stronger alignment with regulatory priorities and licensing objectives.
Collaboration and Funding Through the Levy
The Gambling Commission intends to leverage funds from the statutory levy to address several of the identified research gaps. However, it expects a significant contribution from academic institutions and independent researchers to conduct complementary studies. The organization has signaled its intention to collaborate with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which will function as the primary research commissioner under this funding system.
The resources brought by the levy are expected to enable more substantial and long-term research, potentially allowing for longitudinal projects aimed at developing a deeper understanding of gambling behaviors and associated harms over time.
Enhancing Transparency and Ongoing Review
A new Research Reporting Form has been launched to encourage academics and researchers to submit findings or proposals in line with the roadmaps’ priorities. The Commission plans to systematically assess and update these roadmaps toward the end of next year, with interim updates and a focus on identifying ongoing evidence gaps.
Maintaining Rigor in Harm Prevention
The Commission emphasized the need for robust evaluation of harm-prevention and intervention solutions, noting that determining real-world effectiveness remains a major challenge. The regulator highlighted the importance of using evaluative research methods within reasonable time and resource constraints to build the evidence base that will inform effective regulation and strategies to minimize harm in the future.
| Theme | Key Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Early gambling experiences and gateway products | Studying initial exposure and products that introduce consumers to gambling |
| The range and variability of gambling experiences | Understanding diversity in gambling participation |
| Gambling-related harms and vulnerability | Identifying factors contributing to harm and increased risk |
| The impact of operator practices | Examining business practices that affect consumer protection |
| Product characteristics and risk | Analyzing which product traits elevate risk |
| Illegal gambling and crime | Exploring the relationship between unregulated gambling and criminal activity |
- Author
Daniel Williams
