The Gambling Commission has announced a new 2024-2027 corporate strategy, underlining key areas of strategic focus within which regulatory work will take place.  

Broadly, the initiative focuses on two objectives, including targeted investment into areas of the Commission, alongside regulatory changes into how gambling is provided in the UK. Operational changes to the National Lottery are also on the agenda.  

Entitled ‘Gambling regulation in the digital age,’ the three-year initiative focuses on the enhancement of gambling regulation through the use of data and analytics, the improvement of the Commission’s core operational functions, as well as the implementation of new, evidence-based requirements for companies applying for licenses.  

Further commitments include additional regulation for the National Lottery – for the first time since its inception in 1994, there has been a change in the licensee. This has also been built upon by a new regulatory framework.  

Last month, the Gambling Commission received recognition as one of the country’s best employers from Great Place to Work.  

CEO of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said: “I am proud of how far the Commission has come in the last few years. We’ve tackled some of the critical issues facing operators and consumers, but the next cycle will involve delivering on some of the key decisions that we and the Government have taken.  

"Our objective is to be the authoritative voice on evidence and data, to tackle misinformation, delve into the facts, and help bring about improved outcomes for the public. Our Gambling Survey for Great Britain is one example of how we aim to embrace new data and intelligence.”  

This announcement follows the recent agreement of a £582,120 ($735,176) penalty fee to be paid from bet365 issued by the Gambling Commission due to social responsibility and AML shortcomings.

In other news directly linked to UK regulation, it was today confirmed that Grainne Hurst will be leaving her role as Group Corporate Affairs Director at Entain, to become the new CEO of the Betting & Gaming Council. A start date has not yet been set.