British Gambling Commission to close Advisory Board for Safer Gambling
The regulator will establish a new expert group as the new gambling levy opens more reseach possibilities.
UK.- The Gambling Commission has announced that its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) will close. The regulator said the body had completed its original remit of providing oversight and challenge in relation to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harm.
The Gambling Commission noted that this strategy has now concluded following the introduction of the new gambling levy in Britain in April.
“With the conclusion of that strategy and the delivery of key milestones, the Commission has determined that the time is right to bring ABSG’s work to a close and to focus on new arrangements better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation,” the regulator said.
The Gambling Commission said the ABSG had contributed to several important developments in gambling regulation, including recognition of gambling harms as a public health issue, ensuring the voices of those with lived experience are included in policy and regulation through the creation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) and supporting the introduction of the statutory levy to fund independent research, education and treatment.
New expert group on gambling research
The regulator said it will begin work to establish a new research-focused expert group to replace the ABSG. The aim is to support the expanded role of research made possible through the new levy funding.
The Gambling Commission published the first invoices for the British gambling levy, and operators must make full payment for this financial year (April 2025 to April 2026) by October 1.
Andrew Rhodes, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.
“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”
Helen Child, head of governance said: “ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”
