UKGC tells retail ‘comply or be sorry’ amid self-exclusion concerns

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has increased its regulatory scrutiny of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) throughout this year.

This was confirmed by UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes himself in his speech during amusements trade body Bacta’s Annual Convention in Leeds.

Rhodes confirmed that official communiques were sent out by the regulator to all licensed AGCs earlier this year, reminding them of obligations around self-exclusion.

Although not directly referenced, this move could’ve been prompted by an undercover BBC investigation published back in June where a reporter was allowed access to multiple AGC venues in South England despite self-excluding themselves prior to that.

At the time, John Bollom, then-President of Bacta, criticised the investigation for being “unrepresentative” of the land-based arcade sector that the organisation represents – words also echoed by Rhodes in his latest speech.

“The media coverage often implies that one case or one example is indicative of the industry or sector as a whole. You know, this may be unfair, but it is the reality,” the UKGC CEO said.

“Earlier this year, the Commission wrote to all adult gaming centre licensees to remind them of their obligations around self-exclusion. 

“Unfortunately, despite the warnings, some operators weren’t taking their responsibilities seriously. At the start of this month we announced that we had taken decisive regulatory action. 

“Seven AGC operators have seen their operating licences immediately suspended this year for failing to be part of a self-exclusion scheme. While most of those licences have since been reinstated following clear steps to remedy failings, all operators concerned remain under investigation, which may result in further regulatory action being taken.”

Illegal land-based gambling ripe for culling

Whether or not the UKGC was reminded of its land-based compliance assessment duties by the BBC report remains a topic of speculation. One thing, however, that remains fully within the UKGC remit and which the regulator never leaves out of sight is funding.

The 25 November Budget announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves revealed a total of £26m of additional funds set aside for the regulator, to be granted over a period of three years.

This was warmly welcomed by the UKGC and the importance of the announcement was further emphasised by Rhodes’ words: “In my 20 years on executive boards of public bodies I’ve never known that kind of multiple from the Treasury ever before.”

The top honcho of UK gambling regulation additionally revealed that the money will be used specifically to push back against illegal land-based gambling, but what exactly that fight will look like still remains to be seen.