UKGC invites sector to assess current gambling regulations

The British Gambling Commission has extended a formal invitation to all licensed operators to outline what they see as the biggest burdens currently affecting the sector.

This comes as part of the Commission’s 2026-2027 business plan, which intends to incentivise innovation while maintaining regulatory requirements. 

The plan also aims to incorporate a review of industry proposals that assess the state of current regulations and how effectively they are being communicated, which can then be used as a basis for advice to the Government. The latest invitation is part of that strategy.

“Legislation sits outside the Commission’s remit, but we are keen to understand what those constraints or restrictions may be and the impact they may have, particularly where there are interactions with our own requirements or guidance,” the Commission stated.

“Where proposals relate to issues beyond our remit are received, we will ensure these are passed on to the relevant bodies.”

Proposals that will not be taken into consideration are feedback on live and current policy areas subject to consultation, for which the outcomes have either not yet been published, or have been recently implemented but are still subject to evaluation.

This most likely includes the increase in gambling taxes introduced back in November, which has led to a large number of operators scaling down their business in an effort to mitigate increased costs.

Operators are invited to put forward their proposals before the end of September. Proposals should be structured into several segments. These include what type of licensed activity they apply to, which part of the regulatory framework they relate to, and how the current legislation burdens the licensed activity.

In addition, submitted proposals should also include recommendations on how the Commission can proceed forward in addressing the issue, a cost assessment of the proposed action, and ideas on how the effects of that action can be evaluated long-term.

Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy, said: “We want to hear from the industry about where regulation can be improved or streamlined without compromising the protections that consumers rightly expect.

“This is an opportunity to identify tangible changes that support innovation while ensuring regulation remains effective, proportionate and focused on keeping gambling fair and safe.”