UKGC Policy Director Outlines Gambling Goal In Keynote Speech

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has provided an update on measures that should be taken to make betting safer in the country. Ian Angus, who serves as the Commission’s Policy Director, delivered a keynote speech at the Institute of Licensing (IoL) annual conference on Thursday, highlighting the Commission’s work.

Within this, Angus revealed the areas where change can be affected. In doing so, he pointed to the importance of local authorities and shaking up the land-based gambling environment.

Painting the picture

Annual data provides an interesting glimpse into how the gambling sector is faring. The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GBSB), which has been renewed for another four years, showed participants were more likely to gamble online than in person, by 38% to 29% respectively.

But when lottery draws were removed, 18% of those surveyed gambled in person compared to 16% online. Factoring in gross gambling yield (GGY), the industry made £16.8 billion in the year to end March 2025, and online slots were a big driving force, contributing £747 million in GGY.

Meanwhile, there was an uptick in the number of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) springing up. There are now 1,451 AGCs across the UK, representing a slight increase on the year before (49 premises) which isn’t exactly exponential growth.

Establishing clear boundaries

Over the past few months, applications have been filed to extend the opening hours of AGCs. And Angus was clear to stress that the Commission’s prerogative is to continue to protect vulnerable bettors, but without overstepping the mark.

He said:

“Many of you do sterling work on the ground, but there are some local authorities who aren’t as active in this space as they should. We are clear that local authorities have an integral role in making gambling safe, fairer and crime free across Great Britain.

“And so I want to be clear with you, the Gambling Commission has no interest in calls from some for us to move on to your turf and start doing your job for you.

“We will continue to provide local authorities appropriate support and work in close partnership to aid the exercise of your functions under the Gambling Act. But it cannot be the role of the national regulator to fill any gaps left in local regulation.”

Consultation phase update

Angus also provided an update on the consultations phase concerning the land-based gambling industry. While sharing his delight over the responses collated (over 1,000), he appreciated that it will take some time to work through them.

In the meantime, Angus noted the current consultations carried out by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Specifically, the DCMS have been exploring a few ways to upgrade the land-based licensing structures:

• Adjustments to stakes and prizes for Category D machines. This includes changes to stakes and prizes for crane grabs and creating a new category of ‘slot-style’ non-money prize machines.
• Measures to be taken to create a clear distinction between AGCs and bingo premises.
• The DCMS are seeking views on creating a ‘bingo area’, which would occupy a minimum proportion of venue floor space in all licensed bingo areas.

Bottom line

Despite the likely headwinds faced by the industry in the wake of the Budget, Angus is confident the Gambling Commission can help improve the overall betting landscape in the UK.

He added:

“One of the strengths of the gambling regulatory model in Great Britain is the co-regulatory model: Gambling Commission nationally holding the board rooms to account with local authorities on the high street.

“Together we can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free and I know we at the Commission are looking forward to working together with the authorities in the year ahead.”