The regulatory body confirmed that ABSG fulfilled its original remit with the conclusion of the national harm reduction strategy and delivery of critical regulatory milestones. The Commission will now transition focus toward establishing new frameworks better suited to the evolving landscape of gambling research and regulation.
During its operational period, ABSG delivered several significant contributions to gambling regulation policy. The board successfully established gambling harms as a recognized public health issue within regulatory frameworks. The organization also created the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), ensuring individuals with direct experience of gambling harms maintain active voices in policy development and regulatory decisions.
The board played a key role in implementing the statutory levy system, which now funds independent research, education, and treatment programs across the gambling sector. This funding mechanism represents a foundational shift in how harm prevention resources are generated and distributed within the industry.
The Gambling Commission will begin developing a new research-focused expert group designed to support expanded research capabilities made possible through statutory levy funding. This transition reflects the regulator’s commitment to evidence-based policy development and continued innovation in harm prevention approaches.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, praised the board’s contributions: “ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.”
Rhodes added: “As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programs funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”
Helen Child, Head of Governance, acknowledged the board’s impact: “ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”
The closure marks a strategic transition as the Commission prepares to launch new research initiatives supported by industry levy contributions, signaling continued evolution in UK gambling regulation approaches.
Source: UK Gambling Commission
