UKGC outlines ongoing commitment to consumers

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has used its annual report to detail how it will continue to put consumers at the heart of regulation.

The publication provides an overview of the regulator’s operations and financial position for the 2015-16 financial year, setting out its progress over the past 12 months.

Landmarks in the last year included the introduction of assurance statements so operators at board level account for the way they work to keep gambling fair, safe for consumers and free from crime, as well as new requirements on companies to introduce gambling management tools for consumers and self-exclusion schemes.

The UKGC said it also ensured further enforcement against operators that failed to take sufficient action on social responsibility and money laundering.

“Over the past two years we have emphasised 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,” UKGC chairman Philip Graf said.

“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.”

Sarah Harrison, chief executive of the UKGC, added: “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 Strategy will be critical.

“We have launched a change programme 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.”

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