FOI Reveals UKGC-NIESR Talks on Gambling Costs
Documents show regulator's correspondence with researchers on an influential report about the economic impact of problem gambling.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed correspondence between the UK Gambling Commission and a leading research institute regarding a key report on the economic costs of problem gambling. The released documents, though redacted, provide insight into the development of evidence that shaped recent regulatory debates. This offers consumers a look into the data behind UK gambling policy.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has brought to light correspondence between the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) concerning a pivotal report on the financial impact of problem gambling.
The documents, released by the regulator, cover the period from August 2021 to April 2023. They relate to the NIESR’s report, 'The Fiscal Costs and Benefits of Problem Gambling: Towards Better Estimates', a key piece of evidence in the debate surrounding UK gambling reform.
What the FOI Release Contains
The request, dated 18 April 2023, asked for all correspondence, meeting minutes, and notes between the two organisations. In response, the Gambling Commission released a series of documents, including:
- Redacted email correspondence spanning from October 2021 to April 2023.
- Preliminary findings and methodology notes from May 2022.
- A summary of the final NIESR report, dated 17 April 2023.
The Commission confirmed it held the requested information but applied redactions. Personal data was removed to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018. Additionally, information deemed "outside the scope of your request" was also blacked out, meaning the released files do not present a complete record of the discussions.
Context: Why This Report Matters
The NIESR report provided detailed estimates of the economic consequences of problem gambling, including costs related to healthcare, unemployment, and the justice system. Such research is crucial as it provides an evidence base for policymakers and the regulator when considering new rules, such as the affordability checks and stake limits proposed in the government's Gambling White Paper.
The released documents show that the UKGC was in communication with the researchers throughout the development of this influential report. The timeline of the correspondence coincides with the period of intense policy development leading up to the White Paper's publication in April 2023.
Significance for Consumers
For consumers, this disclosure offers a rare glimpse into the process behind gambling regulation. It demonstrates how the UKGC engages with external research organisations to understand the impact of gambling on society. The data and conclusions from reports like NIESR's directly influence the rules that operators must follow—rules designed to protect players from harm.
While the redactions mean the full extent of the dialogue remains private, the release confirms the regulator's involvement in discussions surrounding the economic evidence on gambling harm. This level of transparency, prompted by an FOI request, allows the public to better understand the foundations upon which the UK's gambling laws are built and reviewed.