UK gambling laws set for fresh review by independent expert commission

A newly established independent group of economists, academics and public policy specialists has launched a comprehensive review of the framework governing gambling in the United Kingdom. The Gambling Policy Commission (GPC) will assess how the existing system has performed and consider whether further regulatory changes or new legislation may be necessary.

Announced on 9 November 2026, the initiative comes approximately 25 years after the publication of the Budd Report in 2001. The subsequent Gambling Act 2005 continues to provide the central statutory framework for commercial gambling in Great Britain.

The commission intends to examine the effectiveness of the existing legislation alongside reforms introduced following the Government's 2023 Gambling White Paper. Its assessment will cover several areas of the industry, including digital gambling, taxation, consumer protection, illegal markets and the financial relationship between betting operators and sporting organisations.

The review is intended to provide an independent assessment of whether the current regulatory structure remains suitable for an industry that has experienced substantial technological and commercial changes.

Independent commission establishes its leadership and objectives

The Gambling Policy Commission is chaired by Jagjit Chadha OBE, Professor of Economics at the University of Cambridge. Professor James Reade of the University of Reading has been appointed as its chief economist.

Their academic backgrounds are particularly relevant to an inquiry expected to examine the economic consequences of gambling regulation, taxation and the relationship between betting and sport.

The commission has invited contributions from a broad range of stakeholders. These include academic researchers, gambling operators, consumers, trade associations, sports organisations, policymakers and organisations involved in gambling treatment and prevention.

The evidence-gathering process is intended to provide a balanced understanding of how the regulatory framework operates in practice. The commission will consider different perspectives rather than approach the review with a predetermined conclusion about whether the existing legislation should be replaced.

Explaining the reasons behind the initiative, Chadha said, “The last comprehensive independent review of gambling legislation was undertaken a quarter of a century ago. Since then, both the gambling market and the wider technological environment have changed considerably.”

He added, “Our purpose is to examine the evidence carefully and independently: to understand how the existing framework has operated, assess the impact of more recent reforms and consider what legislative and regulatory framework will be appropriate for the years ahead.”

The newly established body is separate from the statutory UK Gambling Commission. The regulator has confirmed that it has no affiliation with the Gambling Policy Commission. This distinction is important because the similarity between the organisations' names could otherwise create confusion about their respective responsibilities.

Digital gambling and consumer protection among the central issues

One of the main objectives of the review is to establish whether the Gambling Act 2005 remains appropriate for a market that has developed considerably since the legislation was introduced.

Online betting, digital casino products and mobile gambling services have transformed how consumers access gambling. Technological developments have also introduced new products and business models that may create questions about the application of existing regulatory requirements.

The commission will examine whether the current legislation provides sufficient flexibility to address these developments while maintaining appropriate consumer protections.

Another important area will be the impact of reforms arising from the 2023 Gambling White Paper. Published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the document established a programme of changes intended to modernise gambling regulation.

The independent review will consider how these measures have affected the industry and whether their implementation has achieved the intended regulatory objectives.

Consumer protection and gambling-related harm will also feature prominently. The commission is expected to assess the effectiveness of existing safeguards and examine whether current interventions provide an appropriate level of protection.

Offshore and illegal gambling markets will form another part of the investigation. The group will consider the challenges associated with unlicensed operators and whether existing enforcement arrangements are sufficiently effective in addressing activity outside the regulated market.

The wider structure of gambling regulation will also receive attention. In particular, the commission intends to examine how responsibilities are distributed across government departments and regulatory bodies. Improved coordination could become an important consideration when assessing the effectiveness of future policy arrangements.

Gambling taxation and sports funding to receive attention

Gambling taxation is another significant subject within the commission's planned review. The group will consider how existing duties affect operators, consumers and the wider economy.

One proposal under consideration concerns the potential introduction of a statutory Sports Betting Levy. The commission will examine whether part of the existing General Betting Duty could be replaced through a dedicated mechanism and how any resulting contributions might be distributed.

The discussion reflects the longstanding financial relationship between betting operators and sporting organisations. One question is whether sports bodies should receive a more direct share of revenue generated through bets placed on their events.

Such an arrangement would require consideration of several issues, including how contributions should be calculated, which sporting organisations would qualify and how funds could be allocated transparently.

British horseracing is expected to receive particular attention because of its established financial relationship with the betting industry. The sport already operates under a separate statutory funding arrangement through the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

The board collects the existing Horserace Betting Levy from relevant bookmakers and distributes the funds towards the improvement of horseracing, horse breeding and veterinary science and education.

The distinction between this established levy and any proposed broader Sports Betting Levy will be important during the review. The commission's examination does not mean that a new levy has been approved or that existing arrangements are automatically due to change.

The taxation discussion also follows the Government's 2026 Autumn Budget announcement concerning Machine Games Duty (MGD).

Under the announced changes, the rate for higher-stake or higher-prize machines will increase from 20% to 25% from 1 April 2027. The revised threshold will apply to machines with a maximum charge to play of more than £1 or a maximum prize of more than £100.

This is a targeted change rather than a blanket increase covering every gaming machine. Nevertheless, it adds another important consideration to the wider discussion about gambling taxation and the relationship between fiscal policy and regulatory objectives.

Evidence deadline set for February 2027

The commission's call for evidence opened on 4 November 2026 and will remain available until 12 February 2027.

Researchers, consumers, gambling businesses, trade organisations, sporting bodies, regulators and policymakers are among those invited to contribute. Submissions can address the operation of the Gambling Act 2005, the effects of the 2023 White Paper, gambling taxation, consumer protection, illegal gambling and emerging technologies.

The group is expected to continue its research and stakeholder consultations throughout 2027. Its final report is planned for publication in 2028.

The findings could provide an important reference point for future discussions about the direction of gambling regulation in Great Britain. However, the review itself does not introduce legislative changes or guarantee that a replacement for the current Gambling Act will be proposed.

Conclusion

The launch of the Gambling Policy Commission represents an important development in the continuing discussion about UK gambling laws. More than two decades after the Gambling Act 2005 was introduced, the industry operates in a substantially different environment, shaped by digital technology, changing consumer behaviour and evolving commercial models.

The commission's review provides an opportunity to examine whether the existing framework continues to deliver an appropriate balance between commercial interests, consumer choice and public protection. Its examination of gambling taxation and sports funding could also contribute to a wider discussion about how financial relationships between betting operators and sporting organisations should develop.

However, the significance of the initiative will ultimately depend on the evidence collected and the recommendations presented in the final report. Any proposed reforms will need to consider their practical consequences for consumers, businesses, sporting organisations and the institutions responsible for enforcing gambling regulation.

With the evidence deadline approaching in February 2027 and the final report expected in 2028, the coming period will provide an opportunity for interested parties to contribute to the debate. Rather than assuming that a completely new legislative framework is inevitable, the review should establish which existing measures remain effective, where improvements may be necessary and whether more substantial changes are justified.

The outcome could help shape the next stage of British gambling policy, particularly as regulators and policymakers face the challenge of adapting established legislation to an increasingly digital and interconnected marketplace.

FAQs – UK gambling laws face expert review of the 2005 Act

What is the Gambling Policy Commission?
The Gambling Policy Commission is an independent group established to review gambling legislation and regulation in the United Kingdom. It will assess the existing framework and consider whether further regulatory or legislative changes are necessary.

Who chairs the Gambling Policy Commission?
The commission is chaired by Jagjit Chadha OBE, Professor of Economics at the University of Cambridge. James Reade, Professor of Economics at the University of Reading, serves as its chief economist.

Why are UK gambling laws being reviewed?
The review aims to assess whether existing legislation remains appropriate following significant developments in digital gambling, technology and consumer behaviour since the Gambling Act 2005 was introduced.

Is the Gambling Policy Commission part of the UK Gambling Commission?
No. The Gambling Policy Commission is an independent group and the UK Gambling Commission has confirmed that it has no affiliation with the organisation.

What legislation will the review examine?
The main legislation under examination is the Gambling Act 2005. The commission will also assess reforms introduced following the Government's 2023 Gambling White Paper.

Will the review consider a Sports Betting Levy?
Yes. The commission will examine whether changes to the existing General Betting Duty could include a statutory Sports Betting Levy and consider how any resulting funds might be distributed.

Why is British horseracing relevant to the review?
British horseracing has longstanding financial ties with betting operators and already benefits from a separate statutory Horserace Betting Levy. Its existing funding arrangements make it relevant to discussions about the relationship between betting and sport.

What changes have been announced for Machine Games Duty?
The Government has announced an increase from 20% to 25% for qualifying higher-stake or higher-prize machines. The revised rules are scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2027.

When does the Gambling Policy Commission's call for evidence close?
The call for evidence is scheduled to close on 12 February 2027. Interested stakeholders can submit information and research relevant to the commission's review.

When will the final review report be published?
The Gambling Policy Commission expects to publish its final report in 2028 following research and stakeholder consultations throughout 2027.