UK regulator highlights industry progress and collaborative initiatives

Shirley Pulis Xerxen December 7, 2023

The GambleAware Annual Conference, held on December 6, 2023, brought together industry leaders to discuss advancements and challenges in the gaming sector. UK Gambling Commission (GC) CEO Andrew Rhodes delivered a keynote speech at the GambleAware Annual Conference yesterday, emphasising the importance of collaboration and highlighting significant progress in recent months.

Shifting tone towards collaboration

Rhodes began by acknowledging the remarkable strides made by the gaming industry in meeting standards and complying with regulations set by the GC. Over the past two years, a substantial shift has been observed, resulting in a reduction of extreme failings in casework.

He emphasised that progress allows the regulator to adopt a different tone with the industry, moving beyond the constant enforcement of minimum standards. He stressed the importance of compliance as a crucial first step for gaming operators, creating space to address more challenging issues.

Collaboration with operators and GamProtect scheme

Rhodes expressed support for the widespread adoption of the GamProtect scheme, designed to address serious health-related harms associated with gambling. Collaboration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in developing the project with GamStop was highlighted.

Global collaboration and regulatory engagement

As gaming transcends borders, Rhodes underscored the significance of collaborating with global gaming regulators. The exchange of best practices and encouraging new jurisdictions to adopt British standards were highlighted as crucial aspects of international engagement.

The speech emphasised the importance of collaboration with organisations present at the conference to enhance evidence, data, and research related to gaming in Great Britain. The GC has undertaken initiatives to improve evidence gathering, including a recent conference and a three-year evidence gaps review.

Introduction of the gaming survey for Great Britain

Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes introduced the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving data collection on gaming behaviours. The survey, developed over three years, is set to be the largest of its kind globally, providing detailed insights into gaming habits.

The speech acknowledged the experimental nature of recent participation and prevalence data, emphasising the upcoming official statistics as a baseline for future comparisons. An independent review by Professor Patrick Sturgis will further refine the survey methodology.

The speech concluded with CEO Andrew Rhodes expressing gratitude for collective efforts and emphasising the golden opportunity presented by the next few years to make gaming safer, fairer, and free of crime. Collaboration, as suggested by GambleAware, is key to turning the page to a new chapter in the industry.

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