UK Gambling Commission Invites Industry to Flag Regulatory Burdens

The UK Gambling Commission has opened the door for operators to share ideas on how regulatory requirements could be streamlined without weakening consumer protections.

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In its 2026–27 business plan, the Commission had promised to support innovation while keeping rules proportionate to risk. It confirmed that the latest call was not a consultation but a formal invitation for proposals, with submissions accepted until 25 September 2026.

The regulator stated that they wanted to hear from businesses about outdated rules, overlapping requirements, or administrative processes that no longer serve their purpose. “We want to hear from the industry about where regulation can be improved or streamlined without compromising the protections that consumers rightly expect,” Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy, said in a press release announcing the invitation last Friday.

“This is an opportunity to identify tangible changes that support innovation while ensuring regulation remains effective, proportionate and focused on keeping gambling fair and safe.”

Live consultations and recently implemented policies off limits

The Commission has asked for proposals across all areas of gambling regulation, from licence conditions and codes of practice to technical standards and operational processes.

Businesses are encouraged to highlight rules that have become burdensome due to legislative changes or duplication, and to suggest ways to simplify reporting requirements. The invitation also allows operators to propose innovations that could improve the consumer experience while staying consistent with licensing objectives. 

The Commission noted that some submissions may touch on wider legislation beyond its remit and promised to pass those ideas to the relevant bodies. 

At the same time, the Commission made clear that certain areas are off limits. Proposals tied to live consultations or recently implemented policies will not be considered, as those are already under review. 

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The Commission pointed to the Gambling Act Review and the 2023 white paper High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age as examples of ongoing work that should not be revisited. 

BGC looking forward to “working constructively” with the UKGC

Speaking to NEXT.io, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) welcomed the Gambling Commission’s invitation for industry proposals, describing it as an important opportunity to ensure regulation remains balanced and effective. 

A spokesperson said the council was ready to engage with the regulator and stressed that its members already operate under some of the toughest rules in the world. The BGC also highlighted that its members invest heavily in compliance, safer gambling measures, and customer protections, and that any changes must continue to uphold those standards. 

“We look forward to working constructively with the Gambling Commission and our members to identify practical improvements that ensure regulatory requirements remain proportionate to the risks to consumers, while maintaining the high standards of consumer protection already in place across the regulated sector.”

Operators have until late September to submit their ideas using a structured form that asks for a summary, rationale, and evidence of impact. The Commission will also host a discussion at the Operators Engagement Forum on 2 July 2026 to explore ways of reducing regulatory costs. 

Proposals that involve changes to Commission rules may require consultation before implementation, while those outside its remit will be forwarded to other authorities with advice on viability. 

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