UKGC Inspections Triple Since 2022
FOI data shows a return to pre-pandemic levels of on-site compliance checks at gambling venues across Great Britain.
Data from a Freedom of Information request reveals the UK Gambling Commission has tripled its on-site inspections of gambling premises since 2022. This surge in activity marks a return to pre-pandemic levels of regulatory oversight, focusing on player protection and age verification.
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New data obtained from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) reveals a significant increase in the number of on-site inspections at gambling premises since activities resumed in 2022.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted on 14 May 2025 shows that the regulator has substantially ramped up its in-person compliance and enforcement activities, with the number of inspections tripling between 2022 and 2024.
The Post-Pandemic Surge
The data, provided in a spreadsheet by the UKGC, confirms that no premises assessments were conducted in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, activity has grown steadily since then.
- 2022: Approximately 150 inspections were carried out as the regulator restarted its on-site programme.
- 2023: The number of inspections doubled to around 300.
- 2024: A further 50% increase saw the total reach approximately 450 inspections for the year.
Figures for 2025 show that over 120 inspections have already been completed, suggesting the Commission is on track to maintain this heightened level of oversight.
Regional Breakdown of Checks
The UKGC provided a regional breakdown, highlighting where its compliance efforts have been focused. The highest number of inspections consistently occurred in regions with a high density of gambling premises.
London and the North West of England saw the most significant regulatory attention, reflecting the large number of betting shops, casinos, and arcades in major urban centres like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Scotland also recorded a substantial number of checks, while Wales and other English regions saw inspections in proportion to their number of licensed venues.
Why Inspections Matter for Consumers
On-site inspections are a critical tool for consumer protection in the land-based gambling sector. They allow the UKGC to verify that operators are upholding their licence conditions and adhering to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
For consumers, this means ensuring:
- Player Protection: Staff are trained to identify and interact with customers at risk of harm.
- Age Verification: Robust 'Challenge 25' policies are in place and being enforced to prevent underage gambling.
- Fairness and Transparency: Gaming machines are compliant, and terms and conditions are displayed clearly.
- Safe Environments: Premises are managed in a way that prevents crime and disorder.
The sharp increase in inspections indicates a renewed focus on ensuring these standards are met across all physical gambling venues in Great Britain. It serves as a clear message to the industry that compliance is a priority and provides reassurance to consumers that premises are being actively monitored.