UKGC Operates Without a Published Procurement Strategy

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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) does not have a formal, published procurement strategy, raising questions about the long-term planning of its spending.

The disclosure, made in response to a request dated 17 June 2025, provides a rare glimpse into the operational and financial governance of the UK’s gambling regulator.

What the FOI Revealed

The request asked for the Commission's contract register, its procurement strategy for 2025/2026, and contact details for key financial and procurement personnel. The UKGC granted the request with a partial exemption.

Key findings from the response include:

• No Formal Strategy: When asked for its 2025/2026 procurement strategy, the UKGC stated: "The Commission does not have a published procurement strategy." Instead, it directed the requester to a webpage outlining its general "Procurement Practice."
• Contract Register Released: The UKGC provided a spreadsheet file, dated 09 June 2025, containing its full register of active contracts. The response confirmed that "All the contracts listed on the register are active."
• Basic Contract Management: The Commission confirmed it does not use a dedicated contract management system (CRM) or provide an online portal for its contract data, suggesting its processes may be less automated than other public bodies.
• Personal Data Withheld: A request for names and contact details of senior staff, including the Finance Director and Head of Procurement, was denied. The UKGC cited section 40(2) of the FOIA, which exempts personal data from disclosure to protect individuals' privacy.

Why This Matters for Consumers

The Gambling Commission is a public body funded primarily by the licence fees paid by the gambling operators it regulates. How it procures services and spends its money directly impacts its ability to effectively oversee the industry and protect consumers from harm.

A procurement strategy typically outlines an organisation's long-term goals for purchasing goods and services, focusing on achieving value for money, managing supply chain risks, and aligning spending with strategic objectives.

While the UKGC follows established procurement practices, the absence of a published, forward-looking strategy could limit transparency around its long-term financial planning and priorities. For consumers and industry observers, this makes it more difficult to assess whether the regulator's spending is strategically aligned with its core mission of making gambling fairer and safer.

The release of the contract register itself, however, does provide a degree of transparency, allowing the public to see which suppliers the UKGC is actively engaged with.