UKGC: Nearly 1,000 Cases Closed Since 2019
Freedom of Information data reveals the scale of the regulator's enforcement activity, but highlights limits on public data.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed the UK Gambling Commission closed approximately 985 enforcement cases since 2019. The data provides insight into the regulator's workload but also shows that not all concluded cases result in public sanctions, with historical data being partially redacted.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has concluded approximately 985 enforcement cases since the beginning of 2019.
The data, released following a request dated 17 October 2025, provides a rare glimpse into the overall volume of the regulator's enforcement work, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and protecting consumers from harm.
Scale of Enforcement Activity
The key figure disclosed is the closure of approximately 985 enforcement cases over a period of nearly seven years. The UKGC noted that this number is an approximation, as the way it records this information has changed over time.
For consumers, this figure indicates the broad scope of the Commission's investigations. Enforcement cases are initiated to ensure licensed operators are adhering to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), which include vital rules on social responsibility and anti-money laundering.
However, the UKGC clarified that a 'closed case' does not always result in a public sanction. The regulator stated:
"Cases can be closed for a variety of other reasons including no further action being taken or referral to another body, such as law enforcement."
This means the 985 cases represent the total number of investigations concluded, not the number of fines or licence suspensions issued. The figure also includes actions taken against unlicensed operators operating illegally in Great Britain.
Transparency and Data Accessibility
The FOI response also sheds light on the accessibility of historical regulatory data. When asked for a total sum of financial penalties and a list of cases, the UKGC pointed to its public register of regulatory actions.
This register, however, only contains details for the last three years on a rolling basis. For information older than three years, the Commission provided a spreadsheet but redacted certain details.
Specifically, personal information relating to individual licence holders was removed. The UKGC justified this redaction under section 40(2) of the FOIA, citing the Data Protection Act 2018. The regulator argued that there is no legitimate public interest in disclosing personal data beyond the three-year publication period and that it would not be fair to the individuals involved.
What This Means for Consumers
This disclosure provides a valuable benchmark for the UKGC's enforcement workload. While the headline number is significant, the details reveal the nuances of the regulatory process. Many investigations do not lead to public penalties but may be resolved through other means or result in no further action.
For consumers researching an operator's history, the three-year limit on publicly accessible detailed sanctions is an important factor to consider. While recent actions are transparent, a complete historical record of an individual licensee's past sanctions is not readily available through the UKGC's public-facing channels.