UKGC Updates Evaluation Framework for the Gambling Act Review
The Gambling Commission (GC) and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are carrying out a thorough review to measure the impact of the Gambling Act Review. This follows the Government’s White Paper in April 2023 which set out a bold plan to transform gambling regulation to address the issues.
Strengthening Policies Through Targeted Evaluation
This is because we know policy change is needed. According to Bryony Sheldon, GC’s Director of Policy, the Commission will not only implement but also test and refine these changes based on real world outcomes and lessons learned. This fits with the Commission’s ambition to strengthen its evaluation capability from 2024 to 2027.
Building an Evaluation Framework
In March 2024 the GC and DCMS announced a partnership with the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to develop an evaluation framework for the Gambling Act Review. This framework includes:
- Research Questions and Methodologies: Questions and methods have been set out to ensure clarity and focus.
- Governance Structures: Oversight arrangements have been put in place to ensure the evaluation is credible and inclusive.
The evaluation will look at the effectiveness of over 60 measures introduced in the review and their impact on stakeholders. Sheldon said input from a wide range of groups including consumers and operators will be key to the findings.
Stakeholder Engagement
To be representative, the GC and NatCen are engaging with various stakeholder groups through surveys, interviews and participatory research methods. The initiative is seeking input from people with direct experience of gambling, both good and bad.
The governance structures, the Lived Experience Panel and the Advisory Group are key to the evaluation. The former brings together personal experience from people affected by gambling, the latter brings together experts in policy, research and regulation. Together they will ensure the evaluation captures a range of perspectives and maintains high quality.
As Bryony Sheldon noted: “The experience of consumers, operators and other stakeholder groups will be a key part of the evaluation in the coming months, as we welcome participation in surveys, interviews and other planned research.”
Focusing on Outcomes
Given the breadth of the Gambling Act Review, prioritization is needed. Sheldon said pragmatic decisions will have to be made, with fieldwork starting soon and stakeholder engagement in 2025.
A Safer and More Responsible Gambling Environment
Through this joined up and comprehensive approach, the GC and DCMS will create a gambling policy landscape that is agile and responsive. The findings will help us refine what we have and ensure it delivers what we need and a safer, more responsible gambling environment.
