UKGC Withholds Lottery Data, Cites Public Log
Regulator denies a specific request for North East lottery retailers, pointing to a previously published national dataset available to the public.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) withheld a detailed list of lottery retailers in North East England, citing a Freedom of Information exemption. The regulator stated the data is already publicly available in its disclosure log, highlighting a key process for accessing gambling data.
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UKGC Cites Prior Publication in Lottery Data Request
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has withheld information requested under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act concerning the locations of lottery retailers in North East England, stating the data is already publicly accessible.
The request, dated 10 April 2025, sought a detailed list of all premises selling lottery tickets across 12 local authorities in the North East. The applicant asked for data including business names, addresses, and retailer types for outlets in areas from Middlesbrough to Northumberland.
In its response, the UKGC invoked Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which exempts public authorities from providing information that is already reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
What the Data Reveals
While this specific request was denied, the UKGC's response reveals a crucial point for consumers and researchers: a comprehensive list of all active lottery retailers is not secret. The regulator confirmed that this information has been previously compiled and published in its online disclosure log.
The Commission directed the applicant to a dataset titled "Active Retailers" on its website, which contains the most up-to-date information it holds on the topic. This indicates that while the UKGC will not create bespoke reports of data that are already public, it maintains a policy of transparency by making the master list available.
For consumers, this is significant. It means that anyone wishing to analyse the density and distribution of lottery outlets—whether in their local area or across the country—can do so by accessing the UKGC's public records. This data can be used to understand the accessibility of gambling products in different communities.
Understanding the FOI Process
The request sought a detailed breakdown for the following council areas:
- Middlesbrough Council
- Redcar & Cleveland Council
- Hartlepool Borough Council
- Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
- Darlington Borough Council
- Durham County Council
- Gateshead Council
- Sunderland Council
- South Tyneside Council
- North Tyneside Council
- Newcastle City Council
- Northumberland County Council
The UKGC's use of a Section 21 exemption is a standard procedure designed to manage public resources efficiently. It prevents employees from spending time and taxpayer money compiling information that has already been prepared and made public.
Industry Significance
The decision underscores the UKGC's role as a repository of public data on the gambling industry. Rather than hiding the information, the regulator is signposting to its existing transparency resources. This case serves as a useful guide for consumers, journalists, and researchers on how to access gambling-related data: by first checking the UKGC's extensive disclosure log before filing a specific FOI request.
The response also confirms that the regulator holds detailed information on lottery retailers, which is essential for its own regulatory oversight and for public accountability.