UKGC emphasizes safety and compliance in high street slots

The Gambling Commission has issued a call to action for local authorities to increase their involvement in monitoring high street slot machines across the United Kingdom. Speaking at the Gambling Reform Gambling Summit on 3 September 2025, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, highlighted the growing importance of local oversight in ensuring responsible gambling practices and protecting vulnerable communities.

While the Commission has made strides in recent years to regulate the industry, Miller was candid about the limitations faced by a national body operating with finite resources. “As a fairly small regulator based in Birmingham, the Gambling Commission is not in a position to police every gambling establishment up and down the nations of Britain,” he said. “Any change to that position would require the government to introduce a very different funding model for the Commission.”

The current state of high street slot regulation

High street slot machines, often found in Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) and betting shops, continue to be a popular gambling format in the UK. Local authorities hold the responsibility for granting licences for these establishments and ensuring that they comply with regulatory standards. Licensing fees are intended to fund regular inspections, allowing councils to monitor operations and maintain public safety.

Despite these responsibilities, statistics reveal that less than 50% of local authorities actively inspect high street slot premises. This gap in oversight has drawn attention to the role local councils must play in complementing the efforts of the national regulator. Miller stressed the importance of co-regulation, stating, “We value our relationship with local authorities as our co-regulators. But it cannot be the role of the national regulator to fill any gaps left in local regulation when less than half of licensing authorities are conducting any premises inspections, that the licensing fee funds them to perform.”

Recent Commission initiatives to improve the gambling landscape

Over the past few years, the Gambling Commission has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework and protecting players from harm. One of the most significant initiatives was the White Paper Review published two years ago, which outlined broad changes to operator conduct, advertising practices, and player safety measures.

Key achievements highlighted by Miller during his summit address include:

• Implementation of stricter direct marketing guidelines for operators.
• Implementation of stronger age-verification measures to ensure minors are prevented from gambling.
• Compulsory financial risk assessments designed to safeguard consumers who may be vulnerable.

Since April 2025, the Commission has also intensified enforcement actions, demonstrating a proactive approach in online regulation. The figures provided by Miller indicate:

• 344 cease and desist notices issued to operators and advertisers.
• A total of 45,674 URLs were flagged to search engines, resulting in the removal of 30,605 of them.
• Additionally, 466 websites were submitted for delisting, while 235 sites were either taken offline or geo-blocked.

Despite these significant actions, Miller acknowledged public perception may not always align with the Commission’s efforts. “I know that for many people in this room and for others who will read this afterwards, this may not feel enough,” he admitted, reflecting the ongoing challenges of balancing enforcement with practical capacity constraints.

The importance of local authority inspections

Local authorities are uniquely positioned to monitor the physical operations of high street gambling venues. Their role extends beyond mere licensing and fee collection; they are responsible for ensuring that operators comply with national regulations and maintain a safe environment for consumers.

One of the primary tools available to local authorities is the inspection of Adult Gaming Centres. These inspections can identify compliance failures, promote responsible gambling measures, and prevent practices that could harm vulnerable individuals. Yet, hesitation remains among some councils to fully engage in these activities, possibly due to a lack of familiarity with industry regulations or a lingering stigma surrounding gambling establishments.

Miller emphasized that the Commission relies heavily on local authorities to maintain an effective regulatory ecosystem. By failing to inspect premises regularly, some councils may inadvertently leave gaps in consumer protection. He noted, “Ultimately, this could be down to people who are not directly involved with the gambling industry not feeling confident in the regulations and expectations of the industry; or simply a stigma that still surrounds high street slots that deters council members from wanting to physically inspect them.”

Impact of recent regulatory changes

Recent changes to the UK’s slot machine regulations have illustrated the complex relationship between policy and industry outcomes. The introduction of a £5 ($6.73) stake limit for adult slot machines sparked debate over potential impacts on the sector. Contrary to some expectations, slot revenue actually increased following the implementation of this limit, highlighting the resilience of the market and the importance of carefully considered regulation.

These results underscore the necessity for regulators and local authorities to maintain oversight and adapt to evolving market dynamics. Effective monitoring ensures that policy changes achieve their intended outcomes while safeguarding players and promoting fair practices across the sector.

Challenges faced by local authorities

Several factors contribute to the uneven level of local authority engagement in slot inspections. Some councils may lack sufficient resources or trained personnel to conduct regular checks, while others may feel reluctant to confront operators due to the perceived complexity of the regulatory framework. Public perception and stigma associated with gambling can also deter active oversight.

The Commission has been clear that it cannot replace local authorities in this function. Miller’s remarks highlight a broader issue within regulatory enforcement: ensuring collaboration between national and local bodies while acknowledging the limitations of each.

“The Gambling Commission cannot be everywhere at once, especially when it already has its plate full,” he said. “It is therefore essential that local authorities step up in monitoring land-based properties, as their inspections are crucial for the integrity of the industry.”

Collaboration and the future of regulation

Looking forward, Miller called for a stronger partnership between the Commission and local authorities to create a safer, more transparent gambling environment. By combining national oversight with local expertise, the UK can enhance regulatory effectiveness and better protect consumers from harm.

He suggested that greater clarity around expectations, resources, and responsibilities could encourage more councils to actively participate in inspections. Additionally, the Commission continues to explore innovative methods for monitoring compliance and addressing breaches, including digital tools for reporting non-compliant operators and more robust enforcement mechanisms.

A call to action for local authorities

Miller’s speech ultimately served as a reminder that regulatory success relies on shared responsibility. While the Gambling Commission remains committed to protecting consumers and enforcing standards, local authorities must take ownership of their role in licensing and inspections.

By stepping up engagement, councils can help maintain a balanced and responsible gambling ecosystem in the UK. Increased inspections, proactive monitoring, and collaboration with national regulators will ensure that high street slot machines operate within the law and adhere to ethical standards.

Conclusion

The UK’s gambling landscape continues to evolve, shaped by both technological innovation and regulatory reform. The Gambling Commission’s recent achievements demonstrate a commitment to protecting players and enforcing compliance. However, Tim Miller’s address at the Gambling Reform Gambling Summit made it clear that local authorities play an indispensable role in sustaining these efforts.

With less than half of councils currently conducting inspections of high street slots, there is a significant opportunity to strengthen local oversight and foster a healthier gambling environment. By working together, regulators and councils can ensure that the sector operates safely, responsibly, and transparently for all participants.

FAQs

What is the Gambling Commission’s role in high street slot regulation?
The Gambling Commission sets national standards, monitors compliance, and enforces regulations for gambling operators across the UK, including high street slots.

Why are local authorities important for slot machine oversight?
Local authorities grant licences, conduct inspections, and ensure operators comply with legal requirements, complementing the work of the national regulator.

How many local authorities currently inspect high street slots regularly?
Less than 50% of local authorities actively inspect high street slot venues.

What recent initiatives has the Gambling Commission undertaken?
The Commission has tightened age-verification, introduced financial vulnerability checks, regulated direct marketing, and disrupted non-compliant websites.

Why is the Commission unable to inspect every gambling establishment?
The Commission operates with limited resources, making it impractical to monitor all venues without increased government funding.

What impact did the £5 stake limit have on slot revenue?
Contrary to concerns, revenue increased, showing market resilience and the importance of effective regulation.

What challenges do local authorities face in inspections?
Challenges include limited resources, lack of regulatory knowledge, public stigma, and reluctance to engage with gambling venues.

How can local authorities improve their oversight?
By conducting regular inspections, collaborating with the Commission, and utilizing licensing fees effectively for monitoring purposes.

What is Tim Miller’s main message to local authorities?
Local authorities must step up their involvement to ensure safer gambling practices and fill regulatory gaps in high street slot oversight.

How does collaboration benefit the UK gambling sector?
Cooperation between national regulators and local authorities enhances compliance, consumer protection, and overall integrity of the industry.