UKGC Reveals New Scrutiny of Gambling Statistics
FOI data shows the regulator began tracking referrals to the statistics watchdog only in 2023, making two since.
A Freedom of Information request reveals the UK Gambling Commission made two referrals to the Office for Statistics Regulation since 2023. The disclosure also shows the regulator only began formally tracking such referrals last year, highlighting a new focus on the quality of gambling-related data.
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UKGC Made Two Referrals to Statistics Watchdog Since 2023
A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that the regulator made two referrals to the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) between the start of 2023 and 30 June 2024.
More significantly, the response highlights that the Commission only began formally recording these referrals in 2023, indicating a recent shift in its approach to monitoring the quality of gambling-related data in the public domain.
Context: Why This Data Matters
The Office for Statistics Regulation is the UK's independent regulatory body for official statistics. Its role is to ensure that statistics produced by government and other public bodies are trustworthy, high-quality, and serve the public good.
A referral from an organisation like the UKGC to the OSR suggests a concern about the way another body is producing, using, or presenting statistics related to the gambling industry. For consumers, the accuracy of data on topics like problem gambling rates, market size, and advertising impact is crucial. These statistics often form the evidence base for new regulations, media reporting, and public health campaigns.
Breakdown of the Findings
The FOI request, dated 30 June 2024, asked for the number of referrals the UKGC had made to the OSR in each of the last five years. The Commission provided the following data:
- 2024: 1 referral (as of 30 June 2024)
- 2023: 1 referral
Crucially, the UKGC's response stated: "The Commission began to keep a record of referrals to the Office for Statistics Regulation during 2023 and therefore information prior to this is not held." This means there is no official, centrally held record of any referrals that may have been made between 2020 and 2022.
Significance for the Industry
This disclosure points to a new and formalised process within the UKGC for challenging the integrity of gambling-related statistics. While the number of referrals is low, the establishment of a formal tracking system from 2023 onwards is a notable development.
It suggests an increased commitment from the regulator to ensure that public debate and policy decisions are based on a robust and reliable evidence base. By actively monitoring and, when necessary, referring questionable statistics to the OSR, the UKGC is taking a more prominent role in safeguarding the quality of information that shapes the future of gambling regulation in the UK. For consumers and campaign groups, this move towards greater statistical accountability is a positive step in ensuring transparency across the sector.