UKGC confirms commitment to consumers

The report provides an overview of the Commission’s operations and financial position for the 15/16 financial year in its role as regulator of the commercial gambling market and National Lottery.

Tackling gambling related harm has been a key focus for the Gambling Commission in a year which saw:

- the introduction of assurance statements which mean operators at Board level account for the way they work to keep gambling fair, safe for consumers and free from crime
- new requirements on companies to introduce gambling management tools for consumers and self-exclusion schemes
- further enforcement against operators who failed to take sufficient action on social responsibility and money laundering

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The Commission’s plans for 2016/17 build on the 2015/16 achievements

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Philip Graf, Commission Chairman, said: “Over the past two years we have emphasized to Boards and business owners the importance of putting consumers at the heart of business culture and practice, and managing the risks of gambling related harm and money laundering.

“There has no doubt been a very welcome change in attitude in a number of major companies. However, whilst there has been a great deal of activity, it is also clear that much still needs to be done, including by my successors, to deliver real impact.”

The Commission also regulates the lottery market including the UK National Lottery. The Commission’s chief role is to ensure fair play for National Lottery consumers and subject to that ensure Camelot maximises contributions to good causes. 2015/16 saw a record year with £1.7bn contributed to sports, cultural and community projects in UK.

Commenting on National Lottery regulation Mr Graf added: “The Commission’s approval of major Lotto changes in 15/16 have helped ensure the game remains fresh and appealing to consumers, driving record contributions to good causes in the year. The Lottery is ultimately a game of chance and it should be remembered when looking forward that luck is also a factor in driving future returns.”

The Commission’s plans for 2016/17 build on the 2015/16 achievements.

Sarah Harrison, Commission Chief Executive, commented: “We will continue to work to put consumers at the heart of regulation. This will include building on vital work to protect the most vulnerable, and setting standards for responsible and safe gambling. Here, making progress on delivering the new three-year National Responsible Gambling Strategywill be critical.

“We have launched a change program to develop our people and plan, later in the year, to begin work on a new forward strategy which will help support our future work to keep gambling fair and safe for all consumers.”