British regulator to revamp gambling research

The Gambling Commission has launched a consultation on the methodology it uses to research problem gambling.

UK.- The British regulator, the Gambling Commission, has opened a consultation on a proposed overhaul of how it measures data on gambling participation and problem gambling in a bid to “set the standard for authoritative research”.

The regulator says the proposed changes are intended to make sure research is relevant and accurate.

The main proposal is to replace several existing surveys carried out by telephone and online with a single methodology that the commission claims will be more efficient and cost-effective.

It plans to consolidate questions on gambling participation and prevalence in a single survey and adopt broader criteria to obtain responses from a wider demographic.

It also aims to ensure that the content of the survey can be adapted to keep up with market trends and to represent the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.

Gaming licensees, consumers, interest groups, charities, academics and relevant organisations have until February 12 to respond to the consultation.

The consultation has been launched as the UK government begins its review of the 2005 Gambling Act which will look into research on gaming.

The Gambling Commission said: “We believe that a new approach will enable us to set the standard for authoritative research into gambling.

The new survey would be used to publish annual problem gambling statistics as well as to release updated stats on a more regular basis.

It said: “It is important to emphasise that whatever option is chosen, ensuring objectivity and transparency in data collection and reporting would be of great importance to us.

“The Commission, and our lead government department, DCMS, are designated to produce official statistics and we are bound by the principles in the Code of Practice around trustworthiness, quality and value.

“In addition to this, we would seek advice on methodology and questionnaire design from independent research experts and would publish full details of our survey design, response rates and quality assurance processes.”