In a strategic move reflecting the evolving landscape of gambling regulation, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has officially announced the closure of its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG). Since its inception in 2008, the ABSG has been pivotal in advising the UKGC on reducing gambling harms and promoting safer gambling practices. This decision comes as the board has achieved its primary objectives, particularly following the completion of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
The commission has expressed that with the primary goals of the ABSG now fulfilled, it is time to redirect focus towards new initiatives that are more attuned to the current and future needs of gambling regulation and research. This shift marks a significant transition in the UK’s approach to gambling safety, aligning with the broader goals of a changing regulatory environment.
The closure of the ABSG follows the introduction of a new statutory levy by the government in November 2024. This levy represents a fundamental change in the funding and research efforts aimed at preventing gambling harms, transferring responsibility from the charity GambleAware to national healthcare bodies designated by the government. This move from a voluntary to a statutory system underscores the seriousness with which the UK intends to tackle gambling-related harm.
The UKGC plans to establish a new research-focused expert group, expanding efforts to understand and mitigate gambling harm. “The ABSG has been instrumental in shaping regulations by recognizing gambling harms as a critical public health issue,” stated a representative from the UKGC. The board’s influence also extended to the creation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), which emphasizes the importance of integrating personal experiences into regulatory frameworks.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the ABSG but insisted that it was the “right time” to end its operations. “ABSG has played an important role in shaping our understanding of gambling harms and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation,” he affirmed. As the commission moves into a new phase of research supported by the statutory levy, Rhodes emphasized the need for the right expert input to guide future work.
Helen Child, head of governance at the UKGC, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the board’s efforts. “ABSG made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the commission,” she noted, highlighting the engagement and challenges each member brought to the table.
The closure of the ABSG is part of a broader trend, as GambleAware also announced in July its plan to cease operations and transfer responsibilities to the British government by March 2026. This transition, while marking an end for these organizations, also represents a new beginning for a government-led approach to managing gambling harm. GambleAware has voiced its support for the levy since its inception, and the charity’s historical work will be transitioned to newly appointed commissioners across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Despite the changes, there are differing opinions on the impact of these closures. Some industry insiders argue that shifting responsibilities to government bodies could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, supporters of the move believe that a centralized approach will lead to more consistent and comprehensive strategies for tackling gambling harms across the UK.
As Anne Hargrave steps into her role as CEO to oversee GambleAware’s closure, the UK gambling sector stands at a crossroads. The transition to a statutory levy and the closure of significant advisory bodies like the ABSG are indicative of a decisive shift towards a more structured and government-led approach to gambling regulation and harm prevention. This evolution in strategy is expected to bring about new challenges and opportunities, requiring all stakeholders to adapt to the changing landscape.
Looking ahead, the UKGC’s focus on developing a new expert-led research group will be critical in continuing the momentum gained over the past decades. As the gambling industry evolves, so too must the strategies and policies that govern it. The commission’s decision to close the ABSG is a testament to the ongoing commitment to refining and improving the regulatory framework in response to emerging challenges and trends in gambling.
The future of gambling regulation in the UK will likely depend on the successful integration of new research insights and expert guidance. As the UKGC navigates this new phase, the lessons learned from the ABSG’s tenure will undoubtedly inform the next steps in ensuring safer gambling practices and reducing gambling harms across the nation.
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