The UK’s gambling laws are getting another grilling, and this time there’s a serious question hanging over the industry: does the Gambling Act 2005 need replacing?

The newly established Gambling Policy Commission (GPC) launched an independent review on 4 November, inviting evidence on whether Britain’s existing gambling legislation can cope with an industry that looks considerably different from the one it was written for. Online casinos, cryptocurrency, prediction markets and gambling features creeping into digital products have all changed the landscape.

The commission isn’t a government regulator and can’t rewrite legislation itself. However, its findings could influence the next chapter of UK gambling policy, so operators would be wise to pay attention.

What is the Gambling Policy Commission reviewing?

Chaired by Professor Jagjit Chadha OBE of the University of Cambridge, with Professor James Reade of the University of Reading as its chief economist, the GPC wants evidence from across the gambling sector.

Its review covers several areas that could have a direct impact on UK operators:

• Online gambling and technology: Whether existing legislation can accommodate prediction markets, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and gambling-like features in digital products.
• Player protection: The effectiveness of current safer gambling measures, the statutory levy and interventions aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
• Illegal gambling: How much offshore and unlicensed activity is taking place, and whether payment providers, search engines, social media platforms and app stores could do more to shut it down.
• Tax: Whether the current gambling tax system is appropriate and how operators should contribute to the wider costs of gambling.
• Licensing: Whether conventional commercial licences remain suitable for every form of remote gambling or whether alternative arrangements should be considered.

The commission will further examine whether consumers should have additional routes to pursue civil claims relating to gambling harm.

Why is another gambling review needed?

The Gambling Act 2005 remains the foundation of gambling regulation in the UK, but this isn’t the first attempt to drag it into the digital age.

The Government’s 2023 Gambling White Paper followed a three-year review of the legislation, introducing reforms covering online slot stakes, affordability checks and operator responsibilities. The GPC now wants to assess whether those changes have delivered meaningful results and whether further intervention is justified.

Its work draws comparisons with the 2001 Budd Report, the last major independent review that helped shape the current legislation.

However, the commission’s independence has already attracted some scrutiny. SBC News highlighted that the GPC has no direct representation from gambling operators, despite being tasked with examining the industry. It has also questioned whether the commission’s recommendations will carry any weight with the Government.

It will be worth watching to see if the Government will take any notice and implement new changes to the 21 year old Act the industry is currently operating under.

When will we know more?

The GPC opened its call for evidence on 4 November, with submissions closing on 12 February 2027. It is particularly interested in research, industry data and international comparisons, with its final report planned for 2028.

For UK operators, the potential consequences stretch well beyond another round of paperwork. Changes to licensing, taxation, player protection and enforcement could all affect operating costs and how gambling products are offered in Britain.

The Gambling Act 2005 isn’t being torn up tomorrow, but operators could be looking at a very different rulebook further down the line.

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