A few days ago, the Gambling Policy Commission announced a surprising independent review of the United Kingdom’s gambling legislation. It invited industry stakeholders, researchers and the public to submit evidence on the effectiveness of the existing regulatory framework.
The review will examine the Gambling Act 2005 and consider whether further legislative and regulatory changes are required to address the latest developments in the always-evolving gambling market.
The initiative comes more than 20 years after the publication of the Budd Report, which is the last comprehensive independent review of UK gambling laws. Its recommendations helped develop the Gambling Act 2005, which received Royal Assent in April 2005.
However, since then, the gaming market has seen some significant developments, including the expansion of online betting, digital casino games, and the introduction of new tech. Consequently, the 2005 legislation has drawn criticism from politicians and experts who argue it has not kept pace with the digital age.
The government released its High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age White Paper in 2023, and introduced a programme of regulatory reforms, but calls for a broader examination of the legislation have continued in Parliament.
Still, according to GPC, it aims to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of how the existing framework operates, the impact of recent reforms and whether further changes, including new primary legislation, are necessary.
Review to Examine Gambling’s Economic and Social Impact
The Commission will also evaluate the economic contribution of the gambling industry and the expenses around gambling-related harm.
According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the gambling industry contributed £5 billion to UK gross value added in 2024 while providing approximately 75,000 jobs in 2025.
Meanwhile, HM Revenue & Customs recorded £3.9 billion in betting and gaming duties in the 2025/26 fiscal year. The Office for Budget Responsibility expects tax revenues from the sector to continue to go up.
GPC also highlighted the need for a better understanding of gambling-related harm, particularly as digital products have developed. It noted that disagreements over the available evidence have complicated policymaking, treatment provision and questions of legal responsibility.
The review will bring together experts from economics, law, public policy, healthcare, academia and sport.
It is headed by Jagjit Chadha OBE, professor of economics at the University of Cambridge and former director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, while James Reade, professor of economics at the University of Reading, will serve as chief economist.
Commission Kicks Off Call for Evidence
As part of its investigation, the GPC started a public call for evidence, inviting submissions from UK casinos, trade associations, regulators, researchers, consumers, treatment organisations and other interested parties.
The consultation covers several areas, including:
- The operation of the Gambling Act 2005 and the impact of reforms introduced through the 2023 Gambling White Paper
- Gambling taxation and economic effects
- Unregulated and offshore gambling sectors
- Potential gambling-related harm and consumer rights and protections
- The relationship between gambling and sports
- Technological innovation and new gambling products
- The structure and coordination of gambling regulation across government
The Commission particularly welcomes empirical research, data and international comparisons to support its assessment. Chadha said the gambling market and technological environment had changed considerably since the last comprehensive independent review.
“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.”
Will Hutton, president of the Academy of Social Sciences, also welcomed the initiative. He pointed to the rapid growth of prediction markets as another reason to reconsider existing legislation, highlighting consumer protection and taxation as areas requiring attention.
The Commission expects to publish its findings in 2028. Written submissions must be provided in PDF format through its official call for evidence portal by February 12, 2027.
Funding Arrangements Raise Questions Over Independence
Despite claims of an independent review, the Commission’s funding source and previous policy stances have attracted some criticism.
On its website, it reads that initial funding has been provided by Derek Webb, an entrepreneur and prominent gambling reform campaigner. Webb previously supported tighter industry restrictions and was widely credited with helping secure reductions in Fixed Odds Betting Terminal stakes. He has also advocated higher taxes on remote gambling.
Webb said he was confident the Commission would deliver an independent and timely investigation, describing it as an asset to the Labour government. GPC insists that its members retain full intellectual independence over their research and findings. It also welcomes additional funding and grants.
Questions have also emerged over the backgrounds of some members, including Dr James Noyes, who has previously advocated stronger affordability checks and higher gambling taxes. The absence of direct representation from licensed gambling operators has also been noted.
Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council and the UK Gambling Commission have called for existing reforms introduced through the 2023 White Paper to be given sufficient time to take effect and undergo proper evaluation before any additional changes are considered.
The UK Gambling Commission also clarified that it has no formal connection to the GPC, which is an independent initiative rather than a statutory regulatory body, and has no authority to regulate gambling in Great Britain.
