Gambling Commission Calls for Open Dialogue with Operators at Annual CEO Briefing

_{The UK regulator emphasised collaboration and compliance during its annual meeting with industry leaders in London. (image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) convened its annual CEO Briefing last Thursday in central London, bringing together senior figures from across the gambling industry for an open exchange on priorities, compliance, and future regulation.

The event, held each year, allows the Commission to outline its recent work and discuss the regulatory road map for the coming 12 months. Officials said the session is designed to strengthen communication between regulators and operators, ensuring the gambling sector remains “safer, fairer, and crime free” across Great Britain.

In a statement following the event, the Commission said:
“Only with a constructive and open dialogue between the industry and the regulator, built on compliance at the earliest opportunity, can we work together to keep gambling safer, fairer and crime free in Great Britain.”
 

Industry Leaders Welcome Transparency

Executives representing several major gambling groups attended the briefing, praising the Commission’s willingness to engage directly with operators.

David Williams, Director of Public Affairs at the Rank Group, said the meeting provided valuable insight into upcoming priorities.

“It’s good to be back at the Gambling Commission conference,” Williams said. 

“It’s always a good opportunity not only to hear what the Commission have got on their road map for the year ahead and to learn about some of their progress over the past 12 months, but equally to engage more informally over coffee. It’s always a great opportunity to do that with industry peers.”

The Rank Group operates Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo, among other UK gaming brands. Its presence underscored the continued importance of dialogue between operators and regulators amid evolving gambling legislation.

Focus on Act Review and Black Market Concerns

Miles Baron, Chief Executive of the Bingo Association, said the session came at a pivotal time for the sector as the long-awaited Gambling Act review continues to shape government policy.

“I’m particularly interested in hearing how things are moving and progressing on the Gambling Act review,” Baron said. “I’m increasingly interested in illegal gambling on the black market. So yeah, really looking forward to those two things.”

The Gambling Act review, initiated in 2020, aims to modernize UK gambling laws to reflect the digital age, including tighter affordability checks, enhanced consumer protections, and updated marketing standards. The Commission has said it expects to implement several new measures by 2025.

Collaboration Between Regulators and Industry

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), described the event as an essential forum for industry collaboration and policy discussion.

“It has been a real delight to be at the Gambling Commission in London to hear a range of issues from what commissioners are focusing on from a strategic perspective,” Hurst said. 

“It’s great to have the formal session, but also to be able to ask questions of both the Gambling Commission, and DCMS, and to talk informally through a range of individuals from the gambling industry who actually don’t get the ability to get together often.”

The BGC represents betting and gaming operators across the UK, advocating for safer gambling standards and promoting responsible play. Hurst said the annual CEO Briefing remains one of few occasions where representatives from all parts of the sector, including policy, regulation, and business, can meet face to face.

Industry Caught in Navigating Complex Shifts

The GC’s annual CEO Briefing comes as Britain’s gambling industry continues to navigate major legislative and reputational shifts. With new affordability checks, anti-money-laundering rules, and public scrutiny over advertising practices, maintaining trust and transparency between regulators and operators remains crucial.

By emphassing compliance “at the earliest opportunity,” the Commission is signaling a proactive approach, one aimed at ensuring the sector can adapt quickly while protecting players.