Reflecting on Ian Angus’ Speech at the WMF: UK Gambling Commission Developments

The gambling industry has witnessed considerable change in recent years, with digital platforms becoming increasingly prominent and extensive. Ian Angus, the UK Gambling Commission’s Programme Director for Consumer Protection and Empowerment, plays a pivotal role in supervising this sector. At the Westminster Media Forum (WMF), Angus explored recent commission developments and their potential influence on the future of the gambling industry, specifically regarding the maintenance of a secure gambling environment.

During his WMF speech, Angus provided valuable perspectives into the commission’s endeavours to protect consumers and encourage responsible gambling. He addressed the recent growth of online gambling and observed that there hasn’t been a surge in participation. Instead, consumer preferences have shifted from land-based to online gambling. As online gambling gains popularity, the importance of consumer protection intensifies. The Gambling Commission is dedicated to ensuring that operators adhere to stringent standards, particularly when it comes to establishing a safer gambling environment.

The advancement of mobile technology has played a significant role in the rise of online gambling, with casino apps now offering a convenient and accessible way to gamble on the go. As the market for such apps continues to grow, it is crucial that operators provide recommended and reliable casino apps to maintain consumer trust and safety. By integrating these apps into their offerings, operators can help to ensure a secure and enjoyable gambling experience for consumers. This focus on consumer protection extends to the Gambling Commission’s commitment to working with operators to suggest and offer high-quality casino apps that meet regulatory standards.

A significant development in consumer protection has been the introduction of the LCCP (Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice), which delineates the responsibilities of gambling operators and the measures they must implement to safeguard customers. These regulations emphasise responsible gambling, mandating operators to supply tools or support that enable customers to manage their gambling activities more effectively. Angus recognised the escalating concern over problem gambling in the UK and discussed the Gambling Commission’s variety of initiatives aimed at assisting those impacted by gambling-related harm, such as the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harm. This plan involves cooperation between stakeholders from diverse sectors to focus on harm reduction efforts.

The commission’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable gambling experience is evident in its ongoing efforts to refine and update the LCCP to reflect the dynamic landscape of the gambling industry. In his speech, Angus also stressed the significance of collaboration between stakeholders in the gambling industry, as regulators, operators, and support organisations can cooperate to develop and implement effective strategies to minimise gambling-related harm. The commission’s dedication to collaboration is exhibited in its backing of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, which unites a diverse range of stakeholders to work towards a shared goal, ensuring the industry is better equipped to address the complex challenges posed by problem gambling and establish a safer environment for consumers.

Angus also underscored the importance of harnessing technology to enhance regulatory outcomes and protect consumers, including the application of data analytics to identify and support at-risk gamblers. The UK Gambling Commission’s focus on technology is a testament to its forward-thinking approach to regulation, and it is anticipated that the commission will continue to embrace innovative solutions in the years ahead. Achieving a balance between innovation and consumer protection is vital; while innovation can propel the gambling industry forward, it is essential to ensure high standards of responsibility and transparency, particularly in the rapidly evolving realm of online gambling.

The commission aims to support industry growth while safeguarding consumer interests, accentuating the importance of maintaining an equilibrium between innovation and regulation to create a sustainable and responsible gambling ecosystem. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, the commission’s focus on collaboration, technology, and responsible gambling guarantees that consumers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience. By advocating and fostering a culture of responsible gambling, the UK Gambling Commission is leading the way in crafting a sustainable future for the industry. As the sector continues to expand and adapt, it is crucial that regulators, operators, and support organisations collaborate to ensure consumer interests remain central to their efforts.

Reflecting on the Gambling Act review and the upcoming White Paper, Angus re-emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in the industry. The UKGC has increasingly demonstrated its commitment to rigorous enforcement, as evidenced by the substantial fines issued to operators found to be non-compliant with regulations. Since the beginning of 2022, £76m in fines have been imposed as a result of 27 enforcement cases, compared to £1.7m from three investigations during the 2016/17 financial year. Angus stressed that each failure to meet the Commission’s standards not only contravenes its rules but also has severe consequences for ordinary people, some of whom have suffered significant harm as a result.

The UKGC’s pursuit of a “regulation for all” approach was another recurring theme in Angus’ speech. He reiterated the need for the gambling industry to collaborate with other sectors, such as technology, and cited the ongoing work with the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) on the development of the Single Customer View (SCV) as an example. This collaboration aims to create a comprehensive and easily accessible view of each customer’s gambling activity across different operators, which could help to mitigate the risk of serious gambling harms.

Angus highlighted that the UKGC’s cooperation with various stakeholders and parties would not be limited to domestic collaboration, emphasising the value of working with international regulators as well. As many national markets worldwide are in the process of being regulated or have recently been regulated, the UKGC can learn valuable lessons from these jurisdictions and share best practices. 

It was also pointed out that strong relationships between regulators facilitate the sharing and discussion of bad practices and behaviours exhibited by licensed and unlicensed operators. This exchange of information enables regulators to scrutinise the practices and operations of these operators within their jurisdictions more effectively. Angus emphasised that no operator should want to be in the position of being the subject of discussions between regulators from different parts of the world.

The UKGC’s work with operators extends to account management, and Angus once again reminded firms that uncompromising action would follow non-compliance. As clarity on the regulatory future of the UK betting and gaming space draws nearer, Angus underscored that ‘better data, better research and better evidence’ would lead to better regulation. By contributing to the evidence-led approach taken by the architects of the Gambling Act review, the UKGC’s long-term goal is to develop ‘regulation that works for all’, according to the Commission’s Head of Policy.

In conclusion, the UK Gambling Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and enjoyable gambling environment for consumers reflect its dedication to fostering a culture of responsible gambling. With a focus on collaboration, technology, and responsible gambling, the Commission aims to strike a balance between innovation and consumer protection, creating a sustainable and responsible gambling ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for regulators, operators, and support organisations to work together to keep consumer interests at the heart of their endeavours.

Writer: Kylie

Proofreader: Kevin