The U.K. Gambling Commission has announced its corporate strategy for the next four years, including investing to support its core goals, including achieving a successful National Lottery, Yogonet reported April 9.
The period covered by the strategy is 2024-27. It covers two broad areas: Bringing about lasting change in how gambling is provided, including the National Lottery, and how UKGC invests, so it can improve how it delivers for stakeholders.
It references many of the recommendations made by the government’s White Paper, especially affordability checks, stake limits and new rules governing advertising. Yet to be finalized are online slot deposit limits.
Earlier this year Allwyn took over the National Lottery, the first time licensees have changed since the 1990s. The commission assured Allwyn of its support of the lottery.
The strategy paper calls for targeted investment, explaining, “That investment will be in our approaches, our systems, the evidence we rely on and, most importantly, our people. In this way we can ensure our regulation continues to reflect developments in the gambling industry with the ultimate aim to provide the best outcomes for consumers and the public.”
It promises to make improvements in licensing compliance and enforcement but as efficiently as possible.
It adds, “We intend to look at opportunities that exist for new regulatory approaches to build on the work outlined within this strategy, such as earned recognition and we will be testing and learning what works and what does not.”
The five focuses of corporate success include:
- Using data and analytics to make gambling regulation more effective;
- Enhancing core operational functions;
- Clear evidence-based requirements for licensees;
- Being proactive and addressing issues ASAP; and
- A successful National Lottery.
It notes: “In addition, for the first time in its history there is a new License Holder for the National Lottery; and a changed regulatory regime to continue to deliver a successful National Lottery.”
The commission summarized its goals for a “fair, safe and crime-free gambling market where consumers and the interests of the wider public are protected.”
The commission commits to ensuring that minors can’t access gambling products, and to protect vulnerable people from gambling harm. It also promises to ensure that licensees provide services fairly and to make it harder for black market sites to market to the public.
It points out that since the pandemic, fewer people report gambling regularly, but those who are gambling are spending more than they were before Covid started.
According to the strategy paper, “Targeted investment in priority areas will mean we can continue to regulate effectively in the future. That investment will be in our approaches, our systems, the evidence we rely on, and most importantly, our people. In this way we can ensure our regulation continues to reflect developments in the gambling industry with the ultimate aim to provide the best outcomes for consumers and the public.”
