Advisory Board for Safer Gambling to close as UKGC eyes new research initiative

The UK Gambling Commission will dissolve the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) following the completion of its original remit.

The ABSG was established to provide oversight and challenge in relation to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. With the conclusion of that strategy and the delivery of key milestones, the Commission has determined that the time is right to bring ABSG’s work to a close and "to focus on new arrangements better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation," as per a statement.

Over the course of its work, ABSG has contributed to several developments in gambling regulation, including recognition of gambling harms as a public health issue, ensuring the voices of those with lived experience are included in policy and regulation through the creation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), and supporting the introduction of the statutory levy to fund independent research, education and treatment.

“ABSG has made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement, and challenge each and every member has provided,” said Helen Child, Head of Governance, at the UKGC.

“ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment,” said Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission.

The Commission will now begin work to establish a new research-focused expert group to support the expanded role of research made possible through levy funding.

“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research,” Rhodes added.