The British gambling regulator announced on Friday (19 September) that the body charged with overseeing its National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will close, with a new group to be put in place “to focus on new arrangements better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation”.
The National Strategy was launched in April 2019 and helped inform the UK’s approach to combatting gambling harms ahead of the publication of the Gambling Act Review white paper, which proposed a widescale series of RG changes.
Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission CEO, said: “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.
“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.”
The Commission will now begin work establishing a new research-focused expert group to support new initiatives funded through statutory levy funding.
The statutory levy, a new tax on GGR used to fund research, education and treatment programmes, was implemented as part of the white paper’s reforms and is in the process of being put in place.
Sources involved in the gambling harms space have told NEXT.io the roll-out of the levy has created broad disruption in the existing research, education and treatment space, leading to increased pressure for many organisations.
Helen Child, UKGC head of governance, added: “ABSG have 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.”
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