UKGC Lacks Key Data on Gambling Venues
Regulator does not hold historical records or key operational details on UK gambling venues, a Freedom of Information request confirms.
A Freedom of Information request reveals the UK Gambling Commission does not hold historical data, opening hours, or specific machine counts for gambling premises. This data gap makes it difficult to track the growth and impact of land-based gambling venues over time.
Article Content
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed significant gaps in the data held by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding land-based gambling premises.
The response, dated 21 March 2025, confirms the national regulator does not collect or retain historical records, specific operational details, or machine counts for the thousands of betting shops, arcades, and casinos across the country.
What the Data Reveals
The original request sought detailed information often used to analyse the scale and intensity of gambling at a local level. The UKGC confirmed it does not hold the following information:
- Historical Premises Data: The Commission does not keep records of which premises were licensed in previous years (e.g., 2019-2024). Its public register is a 'live' system, updated nightly, which overwrites previous versions. This makes it impossible to track the opening and closing of venues over time using this central source.
- Operational Details: Information such as a venue's opening hours or its physical size (floor space) is not collected by the regulator as part of its functions.
- Specific Machine Counts: For Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), the UKGC does not track the exact number of gaming machines in operation. While it sets the rules for the types of machines allowed (unlimited Category C/D and up to 20% Category B), it does not hold data on the specific inventory of each venue.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Centralised, historical data on gambling premises is crucial for consumers, local communities, and researchers to understand the changing landscape of high street gambling. This information helps to assess the concentration of gambling venues in a specific area and track growth or decline over time, which are key factors in discussions around public health and potential gambling-related harm.
The absence of this data at a national level means that creating a comprehensive picture of the UK's land-based gambling sector is a significant challenge. The Commission's response stated that it could not provide assurances on the "completeness and accuracy" of the premises data it does publish.
The Role of Local Authorities
The UKGC clarified that the responsibility for licensing gambling premises lies with local licensing authorities, which are typically the local councils. These bodies are the primary source for detailed information about premises in their jurisdiction.
For consumers or researchers seeking this information, the UKGC's response makes it clear that they must contact individual licensing authorities directly. This creates a decentralised and potentially time-consuming process for anyone trying to build a regional or national overview.
Significance and Industry Implications
The FOI response highlights a significant data gap within the UK's regulatory framework for gambling. While the UKGC maintains a live register of active premises, the lack of historical data and operational details limits its utility for trend analysis.
This places the burden of data collection and analysis on local authorities, academics, and the public, making it more difficult to scrutinise the land-based gambling industry and its impact on communities at a national level.