The UK Parliamentary All-Party Betting and Gaming Group (APBGG) has launched an investigation into the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), following various complaints from industry members.
The Group states it is investigating the ‘competency and effectiveness’ of the UK’s gambling regulator and comes amid the backdrop of the DCMS review of the Gambling Act 2005.
An investigation has been launched due to comments made about UKGC in reports from Public Accounts Committee, National Audit Office and House of Lords Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry in 2020 not covering the ‘full breadth of allegations’ made against the regulator.
The informal parliamentary group has invited members of the industry to submit evidence and complaints about the Commission and has opened submissions to anonymous complainants after fears of the power possessed by UKGC.
Three key categories of complaints are being welcomed by the group: where UKGC has acted beyond the powers of a regulator; where it has acted outside the Regulators Code; and where it has provided the industry with a poor level of service.
Meanwhile, if the evidence and complaints received warrant a full report, the group will present its findings to the DCMS’ review of the Gambling Act. It will also report the findings to the Minister in BEIS in charge of the regulators and also offer the CEO of UKGC to respond to the report.
Scott Benton MP, Co-Chair of APBGG, commented: “I believe it is essential that the key player in our industry is challenged over its actions. For a number of years, industry members have come to us and complained about the activities of the Commission.
“They have been too scared to go public with their concerns, some even about the very legality of the Commission’s undertakings due to the Commission’s power over them.
“All the British gambling industry wants is a competent and effective regulator.”