UKGC started the White paper implementation

The UK government has released a gambling white paper outlining proposals for updating the 2005 Gambling Act, which includes a large number of proposed consultations to be carried out by the Gambling Commission.

The Commission is already working on implementing these proposals, and some of the required consultations will be launched soon, according to Tim Miller, executive director for research and policy.

Miller stated that while the full implementation of the white paper could take years, progress can be made in key areas, and project teams have already been assembled to work on the recommendations.

Some white paper goals will be accomplished through updates to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), and the regulator is required to consult on any LCCP modifications and take feedback into consideration.

Miller noted that consultations would begin in the summer and that they would concentrate on how the changes are implemented, rather than reopening public policy debates that have already been resolved by the white paper.

The Commission intends to ensure that a broad range of experiences and expertise inform the practical application of the white paper’s commitments to avoid unintended consequences for the public.

The Gambling Commission will have limited room to address other gambling policy matter

According to Tim Miller, due to the extensive amount of work required to implement the proposals outlined in the white paper, the Gambling Commission will have limited capacity to address other areas.

Miller emphasized that the Commission’s main focus will be delivering the comprehensive reforms set out in the white paper, including increasing regulatory powers to combat illegal gambling and promoting collaboration across government departments. The scale of work involved is substantial and will be the primary policy initiative for the Commission in the coming years, involving various stages of development, implementation, evaluation, and review.

Stakeholder involvement will be critical at each stage, and the Commission intends to make it manageable for them. Due to the magnitude of the changes, the Commission will have very little room to consider other policy developments outside the scope of the white paper, even with additional resources in the future.

Compliance monitoring will not be relaxed

Despite the Gambling Commission’s focus on implementing the white paper recommendations, Tim Miller affirmed that compliance monitoring will remain a top priority. The regulator will continue to take action against gambling operators who fail to meet existing standards, ensuring consumer protection and raising industry standards while supporting the government’s ambition to deliver gambling reform for the digital age.

The white paper proposals have been largely welcomed by the gambling industry, particularly the major operators. However, reactions from those involved in gambling research, education, and treatment have been mixed. While many welcomed the proposal for a mandatory levy on gambling operators to fund their work, there are concerns about its implementation, which will be the subject of future consultation.