In collaboration with DCMS and the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the regulator is assessing a targeted group of reforms introduced under the Gambling Act Review (GAR). The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader strategic commitment to strengthen the evidence base underpinning gambling regulation and to better measure the real-world impact of policy decisions.
Evidence-Led Approach to Policy Reform
While the Commission notes that the project will not provide a definitive assessment of the Gambling Act Review as a whole, it represents a significant step toward embedding continuous monitoring and evaluation within the UK’s regulatory framework.
The current phase prioritizes policies based on their implementation timeline and scope. Areas under review include Online Slots Stake Limits, Financial Vulnerability Checks, and reforms to Direct Marketing practices—measures widely viewed as central to enhancing consumer protection while maintaining a sustainable market.
The evaluation applies a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research tools. Activities conducted so far include in-depth interviews with consumers, focus groups, diary studies involving young people who gamble, stakeholder workshops, large-scale consumer surveys, operator surveys with follow-up interviews, and detailed data analysis in partnership with several licensed operators.
Strong Stakeholder Engagement
The Commission expressed appreciation for the contributions made by consumers, operators, and advisory bodies, including the independently appointed Lived Experience Panel and Evaluation Advisory Group. Their involvement has helped ensure that both technical rigor and lived experience perspectives inform the process.
As the project enters its final stage of evidence gathering, NatCen has streamlined engagement channels to make participation more accessible. The regulator emphasized that continued input from operators and other stakeholders remains essential to fully understand the consumer, commercial, and operational impacts of the reforms.
All data collected is securely managed by NatCen, with strict protections in place to ensure confidentiality. Any information shared publicly or with government bodies will be aggregated or anonymized.
Informing Future Policy
A comprehensive report summarizing findings on the in-scope policies is expected by the end of 2026. The results will contribute to the broader research framework surrounding the Gambling Act Review and support future policymaking, as well as ongoing monitoring efforts.
By advancing this structured evaluation process, the Gambling Commission reinforces its commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven regulation—positioning the UK market as one of the most closely examined and evidence-informed gaming environments globally.
