UK Gambling Regulation Under Review by APPG

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform has officially launched an extensive investigation into how gambling should be regulated in the United Kingdom moving forward. The inquiry comes at a pivotal moment as lawmakers, regulators, and public health advocates continue to grapple with the societal and technological shifts affecting the gambling landscape.

The group, which is cross-party and composed of members from across the UK Parliament, is seeking to evaluate whether the existing regulatory framework is sufficient to meet the demands of an increasingly digital and data-driven gambling environment. Public submissions to the inquiry are open until 12 September 2025, with a particular emphasis on harm prevention, consumer protection, and the adequacy of current legislative instruments.

Background to the inquiry

The decision to launch this inquiry follows the publication of the UK Government’s Gambling White Paper in April 2023. While the White Paper was widely acknowledged as a significant milestone in reforming gambling regulation, concerns persist that its proposals may not go far enough, particularly given the pace of change in online gambling and related technologies.

Chairing the APPG is Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, a longstanding advocate for reform in the gambling sector. In announcing the inquiry, he stated:

“The previous Government’s White Paper marked a step in the right direction by beginning to address some of the challenges posed by today’s gambling industry. However, it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure our regulatory framework is fit for the digital age to protect people from harm.”

Inquiry scope and objectives

Evaluating the effectiveness of current regulation

One of the primary objectives of the inquiry is to assess whether the current regulatory structure, primarily governed by the Gambling Act 2005 and enforced by the UK Gambling Commission, is still suitable in today’s gambling environment. The Act, which predates the widespread adoption of smartphones and digital gambling platforms, has been repeatedly described as outdated and lacking the necessary provisions to regulate modern gambling mechanics such as loot boxes, real-time betting, and algorithm-driven promotions.

Focus on consumer protection and harm reduction

A central focus of the inquiry is harm reduction. With increasing evidence linking gambling-related harm to mental health issues, indebtedness, and family breakdown, the APPG is particularly interested in understanding whether the current system offers enough safeguards for vulnerable individuals. This includes reviewing affordability checks, mandatory interventions, self-exclusion schemes, and the role of advertising in influencing at-risk consumers.

Public and expert submissions invited

The APPG is actively encouraging stakeholders to contribute to the inquiry. This includes operators, consumer advocacy organisations, public health experts, academics, affected individuals, and regulators. The inquiry is not limited to criticism of current practices but also invites innovative proposals and international best practices that could inform future UK policy.

Written submissions are being accepted until 12 September 2025, with full guidance and submission protocols available on the APPG’s official website. Following the deadline, oral evidence sessions may be held, with transcripts and findings published in due course.

Consideration of a new Gambling Act

One of the key elements under examination is whether a complete overhaul of the current legislative framework is warranted. This could potentially result in a new Gambling Act that more adequately addresses the realities of a global, digital-first industry. Among the options under discussion are:

• Establishing a statutory duty of care on gambling operators
• Enhanced financial risk checks with legally enforceable standards
• A dedicated ombudsman for consumer complaints
• Tighter restrictions on advertising, particularly in sports and social media
• Specific protections for young adults and high-risk groups

Such proposals could reshape the UK's regulatory landscape in a way not seen since the original Gambling Act was passed in 2005.

The evolving digital landscape

The emergence of mobile and online gambling has drastically altered player engagement patterns and regulatory challenges. Many gambling activities now operate 24/7, across jurisdictions, with little face-to-face interaction. The increasing use of artificial intelligence, data profiling, and automated marketing raises questions about fairness, transparency, and accountability.

The APPG has previously expressed concern that regulatory bodies are often technologically outpaced by operators, leaving gaps that can be exploited. The aim of the inquiry is to address existing shortcomings and rebuild public confidence in the regulation of gambling across the UK.

Industry response and ongoing CMA scrutiny

The inquiry announcement coincides with regulatory scrutiny of high-profile corporate transactions within the gambling sector. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is presently assessing Sportradar’s planned takeover of IMG Arena to determine if the merger could negatively impact competition within the market.

While the APPG inquiry does not specifically address mergers and acquisitions, its findings may indirectly influence how such transactions are evaluated, particularly in terms of market concentration, consumer choice, and innovation suppression.

A political and public health issue

Although gambling regulation is often viewed as a technical or commercial matter, the APPG’s framing of this inquiry signals its broader significance. Gambling-related harm is increasingly treated as a public health concern, with parallels to tobacco, alcohol, and other addictive products. This shift has been welcomed by charities and clinicians who argue that systemic interventions—rather than individual responsibility—should underpin regulation.

The involvement of parliamentarians from different parties further suggests that gambling reform may continue to receive bipartisan attention, particularly if the inquiry uncovers widespread deficiencies in current protections.

International comparisons and global practices

The APPG inquiry will also draw on global regulatory models to assess how the UK compares in safeguarding its population. Countries such as Australia, Norway, and Spain have introduced measures ranging from mandatory loss limits to advertising bans, and their impact will be considered in shaping UK policy.

However, the group is also mindful of the UK’s position as a global gambling hub and the economic implications of stricter regulation. Striking a balance between public safety and industry viability remains one of the most complex challenges the inquiry faces.

Next steps and anticipated outcomes

Once the evidence has been collected, the APPG is anticipated to release a detailed report presenting its conclusions and proposed recommendations. While the group does not have the power to enact legislation, its influence in Parliament—combined with growing public demand for action—could accelerate governmental reforms or inspire a fresh legislative initiative.

Any recommendations made by the APPG could be taken up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which oversees gambling regulation, or spark cross-departmental collaborations involving health, finance, and digital policy.

Conclusion

The APPG on Gambling Reform’s inquiry marks a crucial opportunity to revisit and potentially reshape the UK’s gambling regulation for the digital era. With the possibility of a new Gambling Act on the table, wide stakeholder participation, and cross-party political interest, the inquiry could catalyse significant change in how gambling is governed across the country.

As legal, technological, and social pressures converge, the UK must determine whether its current system of regulation can continue to serve the public interest—or whether more transformative action is required.

FAQs

What is the APPG on Gambling Reform?
The APPG on Gambling Reform is a cross-party parliamentary group focused on evaluating and recommending changes to gambling legislation in the UK.

What is the purpose of the new inquiry?
The inquiry aims to assess the effectiveness of the UK’s current gambling regulatory framework and to determine whether a new Gambling Act is required.

When is the deadline for public submissions?
Submissions are open until 12 September 2025.

Who can submit evidence to the inquiry?
Individuals, charities, consumer groups, academics, gambling operators, and other stakeholders are invited to submit written evidence.

Will this lead to a new Gambling Act?
While the APPG cannot legislate directly, its findings may influence government decisions and lead to new or amended legislation.

What issues will the inquiry focus on?
It will examine consumer protection, digital gambling practices, affordability checks, advertising regulations, and potential structural reforms.

Why is this inquiry necessary now?
Rapid growth in digital gambling has raised concerns about the sufficiency of existing safeguards and the ability of regulators to protect vulnerable individuals.

What role does the UK Gambling Commission play?
The Commission is the primary regulator of gambling activities in the UK, and its performance will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.

Are international gambling laws being considered?
Yes, the inquiry will review global best practices to inform recommendations suitable for the UK context.

What happens after the inquiry concludes?
A report will be published, likely including recommendations to Parliament, which could influence future legislation or regulatory changes.