UKGC considers RGSB recommendations on new strategy

The UK Gambling Commission has welcomed the recommendations from the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) on the new national strategy, which intends to prevent gambling harms. UKGC is likely to publish the new strategy in April.

The RGSB, which advises the commission independently, has offered a range of recommendations on what the priorities to reduce gambling harm should be, and on the arrangements necessary to implement the strategy effectively.

The advice will now be considered, along with comments from stakeholders and the public which were submitted through a public consultation. The consultation, which ended on 15 February, resulted in detailed feedback from consumers, charities and industry stakeholders on how to develop what will be the successor to the current National Responsible Gambling Strategy.

Helen Rhodes, programme director at the Gambling Commission, said: “We fully welcome RGSB’s advice on the new National Strategy, and will carefully consider these recommendations from our expert advisors on how best to make lasting progress to reduce gambling harms.”

“Alongside the consultation responses we’ve received from a variety of stakeholders, RGSB’s advice is a significant step to develop and launch a strategy to deliver the greatest possible impact to further reduce gambling harms.”

Sir Christopher Kelly, chair of the RGSB, added: “We welcome the Commission taking responsibility for delivery of the next strategy and ensuring adequate and appropriate steps are taken to reduce gambling-related harms from the wide range of stakeholders from whom action will be required. We believe that there is a significant opportunity to make real progress over the next few years. We have made clear in our advice, however, that we think success will require changes in mindset, partnership arrangements, in the approaches to prevention and implementation, and in funding.”