The UK Gambling Commission's Acting Chief Executive, Sarah Gardner, has criticised what she describes as 'whataboutery' in the ongoing debate over regulatory changes in the British gambling sector. Speaking at the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) Conference, Gardner warned that such tactics are consuming valuable time and resources as the Commission implements new measures, including Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs).
Regulatory Changes and Industry Pushback
The UK gambling industry has seen heated debate in recent months, particularly around the introduction of FRAs—often referred to as affordability checks. These measures, confirmed by the Gambling Commission in July, have faced resistance from various stakeholders who argue they could negatively impact both operators and consumers. Gardner emphasised that despite opposition, the Commission remains committed to its regulatory objectives and will not be deterred by attempts to delay or derail policy changes.
Implementation of Financial Risk Assessments
Gardner reiterated the Commission's position that FRAs are designed to be frictionless for most customers and could even reduce the burden on high-spending individuals who are not experiencing financial difficulties. She also defended the use of credit rating agencies (CRAs) for conducting these checks, stating that they provide the most relevant data available on customers in financial distress. According to Gardner, current industry practices are inconsistent, and the new approach is intended to improve uniformity and effectiveness.
Challenges in Combating Illegal Gambling
Addressing the ongoing threat of the black market, Gardner acknowledged that the Commission's resources remain limited compared to the scale of illegal gambling activity. Although the regulator received additional funding in the previous Autumn budget, Gardner noted that tough decisions have had to be made about which cases to prioritise, citing past prosecutions as resource-intensive undertakings. The Commission continues to seek creative solutions to maximise its impact against unlicensed operators.
Collaboration with Big Tech and Affiliates
Gardner also highlighted an improvement in cooperation from major technology companies such as Meta and Google in addressing the promotion of illegal gambling sites. While acknowledging that more progress is needed, she welcomed the increased engagement and urged the broader advertising, marketing, and affiliate sectors to ensure they are not inadvertently supporting illegal operators alongside licensed ones.
Why This Matters for Industry Stakeholders
For operators, affiliates, and suppliers, the Commission's firm stance signals a continued tightening of regulatory oversight and a push for higher standards of compliance. The focus on FRAs and collaboration with data providers means operators will need to adapt their internal processes. Additionally, affiliates and advertisers face increased scrutiny regarding their promotional activities, reinforcing the importance of aligning with regulatory expectations to avoid penalties or reputational risks.
Key takeaways
- Sarah Gardner criticised 'whataboutery' for slowing regulatory progress in the UK gambling sector.
- Financial Risk Assessments will remain central to the Commission's approach, with reliance on credit rating agencies for data.
- The regulator continues to face resource constraints in tackling illegal gambling, prioritising high-impact cases.
- Operators, affiliates, and tech platforms are urged to collaborate closely with the Commission to ensure compliance and responsible promotion.