The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has highlighted the progress it has made over the past year in terms of ensuring compliance within the regulated gambling market.
Addressing delegates at the recently-concluded GambleAware Annual Conference, UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes credits the success mainly to the combined efforts and continuing collaboration among the government, industry stakeholders, gambling harm organizations, and other relevant groups.
UKGC Hails Progress in Regulatory Compliance
Following his appointment as UKGC CEO in 2021, Rhodes focused on compliance and enforcement, with an end goal of minimizing the most extreme and unacceptable examples of gambling regulatory failings in the UK.
While acknowledging that nothing is perfect, Rhodes proudly shared during the conference that the goal has been achieved, marking a “step change” in the industry’s commitment to meeting the Commission’s standards and complying with its rules.
Rhodes stated that the significant progress they’ve seen in recent months has enabled them to adopt a different approach to gaming regulation, allowing more space to discuss and tackle the bigger issues facing the sector.
Improving Evidence and Data
With the UKGC’s work now largely focused on the implementation of the Gambling Act Review White Paper recommendations, Rhodes said one of their top priorities moving forward is improving the evidence, data, and research for gambling in Great Britain.
The UKGC boss reiterated the importance of collaboration and continuously working together to create a safer, fairer, and crime-free gambling environment in the UK.