UKGC: No Data Held on Gamblers on its Board
FOI request reveals the regulator does not require Commissioners to declare their personal gambling activity.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed the UK Gambling Commission does not hold data on whether any of its board members are 'full time gamblers'. The regulator confirmed that its code of conduct does not require Commissioners to declare personal gambling habits, raising questions about the representation of player experience at the highest level.
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Regulator Does Not Track Board's Gambling Habits
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) does not hold information on whether any of its board members are “full time gamblers/punters”.
In a response dated 8 September 2023, the regulator stated that its code of conduct does not compel Commissioners to declare their personal gambling activities. This disclosure sheds light on the information the UKGC deems relevant for its governance and transparency procedures.
Why This Matters
The UKGC's Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting the strategic direction of gambling regulation in Great Britain. Its decisions impact everything from operator licensing conditions and advertising rules to player protection measures and affordability checks. For consumers, the experience and perspectives of those on the board are crucial, as they shape the rules designed to ensure gambling is fair and safe.
The request for information about the presence of regular gamblers on the board touches on the question of whether the direct, lived experience of a punter is represented at the highest level of regulatory decision-making.
Details of the Disclosure
The FOI request asked the Commission specifically: ‘how many full time gamblers/punters do you have on your board’.
The UKGC processed the request but did not provide a number, stating that “No other information is held by the Commission within the scope of this request.”
The response explained that while Commissioners are not prohibited from gambling, they are not required to declare it as an interest. The UKGC stated:
“Commissioners are not required to declare their gambling as long as it's within the code of conduct.”
The Commission applied a partial exemption under Section 21 of the FOIA, noting that information on the other interests and employment of its Commissioners is already publicly accessible. This information is available in the board's Register of Interests and the Corporate Governance Framework.
These documents require Commissioners to declare potential conflicts of interest, such as employment, directorships, or significant shareholdings in gambling companies. However, they do not extend to personal recreational gambling.
Significance for Consumers and the Industry
This disclosure confirms that the UKGC's governance framework prioritises financial and professional conflicts of interest over the personal gambling habits of its leadership. While the board comprises experts from fields such as law, finance, and public policy, this FOI response indicates there is no formal mechanism to ensure a regular player's perspective is included at the board level.
For consumers, this means that while their interests are represented through research, consultations, and advisory bodies, the direct voice of an experienced punter is not a required component of the Commission's board. The finding highlights a distinction between declaring a financial stake in the industry, which is mandatory, and having personal experience as a consumer, which is not formally tracked.