UKGC deadline approaches for industry proposals to cut regulatory burden

The UK Gambling Commission is approaching the deadline for gambling businesses and other industry stakeholders to submit proposals aimed at reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.Licensed UK casinos and UK bookmakers have until the end of September to put forward ideas on how the regulator could streamline or improve its requirements, guidance and operational processes.The initiative was launched in June as part of the Commission’s 2026/27 Business Plan and is intended to identify areas where regulatory requirements could be made more efficient while maintaining consumer protections and the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005.Proposals can cover the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), technical standards, reporting processes and wider interactions between gambling businesses and the regulator.Read MoreWhen the initiative was announced in June, then-executive director for research and policy Tim Miller said: “We want to hear from the industry about where regulation can be improved or streamlined without compromising the protections that consumers rightly expect.“This is an opportunity to identify tangible changes that support innovation while ensuring regulation remains effective, proportionate and focused on keeping gambling fair and safe.”Miller has since left the Gambling Commission after 10 years with the regulator. His departure was announced shortly after the regulatory burden initiative was launched, with the Commission confirming that he would leave in September to pursue work outside the British regulated gambling industry.The Commission said it remains committed to ensuring that the cost of regulatory compliance is proportionate to the risks faced by consumers.Any changes resulting from the exercise would also need to remain consistent with the three licensing objectives set out in the Gambling Act 2005: preventing gambling from being associated with crime or disorder; ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly; and protecting children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.Submissions received before the deadline are expected to be reviewed during the Commission’s current business cycle.