UKGC issues update on responsible gambling

The Gambling Commission responds to the findings of Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s progress report.

UK.- After the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) published its progress report in which it claims that more needs to be done to reduce gambling-related problems, The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) reaffirmed that their view is consistent with the one shown in the report.

The regulatory body of the UK said in a statement that while they can see that there has been progress towards delivering the National Responsible Gambling Strategy by the industry, they are in the final 12 months of the three-year plan and that they remain concerned that many of the priority actions that they initially had in mind have not progressed as much as they should have.

Tim Miller, executive director of the UKGC, said that the concerns highlighted in RGSB’s progress report mirror some of those within their own strategy to make gambling fairer and safer for consumers.

The entity believes that there is a challenge on how to deliver a gambling market that provides consumer choice and enjoyment whilst also protecting against the risks gambling can create and its impact on wider society. “But, this isn’t a challenge the Gambling Commission can address on its own. Many of the RGSB’s recommendations require us, as the industry regulator, to lead on delivery, and we will do more to speed up progress.

“However, with over two million people at-risk or classed as problem gamblers in Great Britain, and many more either at risk of harm or affected by somebody else’s gambling, there needs to be a real concerted focus by everyone that has a part to play. We need continued strong partnerships with other regulators, consumer representatives and government. Most importantly, we need the industry to step up and work to raise standards and reduce the risk of harm.”