Gambling Commission: Evaluation of Gambling Act Review Policies ‘On Track’ for 2026 Findings

_{Commission Senior Policy Evaluation Manager Richard Sutcliffe provides an update on the evaluation of a sub-set of policies forming part of the Gambling Act Review. (Image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

The Gambling Commission says its evaluation of key Gambling Act Review policies remains on schedule, with early findings expected by the end of 2026.

In a 17 February 2026 update, Senior Policy Evaluation Manager Richard Sutcliffe said the regulator is working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Centre for Social Research to assess how a subset of reforms are working in practice. The review focuses on selected measures introduced following the UK government’s 2023 white paper on gambling reform.

The project aims to strengthen the evidence base around gambling regulation and assess the real world impact of specific policy changes. It will not provide a final verdict on the entire Gambling Act Review programme. Further monitoring and evaluation will continue beyond the current phase.

For operators, policymakers, and players, the findings could shape future regulatory decisions, compliance expectations, and consumer protections across the UK gambling market.

What Is Being Evaluated

The current phase prioritises policies based on their implementation timelines and research scope. Among those under review include; Online slots stake limits, financial vulnerability checks and changes to direct marketing rules

Online slots stake limits were introduced for players aged 18 to 24 and those aged 25 and over as part of the government’s effort to reduce gambling related harm. Financial vulnerability checks are designed to identify customers at risk of harm, while reforms to direct marketing seek to give consumers greater control over promotional contact.

The evaluation is being carried out by NatCen, an independent social research organisation, using a mixed methods approach.

How the Research Is Being Conducted

The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods.

Qualitative work has included in depth interviews with people who gamble, focus groups, diary studies with young gamblers, and workshops with stakeholders to assess emerging evidence.

Quantitative work has included a consumer survey of people who gamble, an operator survey with follow up interviews, and data sharing arrangements with several gambling operators for statistical analysis.

The evaluation is now entering its final stage of evidence gathering, with further research planned involving both consumers and operators. The Commission said operator participation is critical to understanding the commercial and operational impact of the reforms.

Why Stakeholder Input Matters

Sutcliffe acknowledged the time commitment required from participants and thanked consumers, operators, the Lived Experience Panel, and the Evaluation Advisory Group for their contributions so far.

NatCen has refreshed and simplified engagement processes to encourage further participation during the final phase. According to the Commission, stakeholder insight will help assess consumer impact, commercial consequences, and lessons for future policy development.

All data collected by NatCen is held securely, with identities protected. Any information shared with the Commission or DCMS, or included in the final report, will be aggregated or anonymised.

What Happens Next

A final report summarising evidence on the in scope policies is expected by the end of 2026. The Commission said the findings will inform future policymaking and help shape ongoing monitoring of the Gambling Act Review.

Stakeholders can contact the Commission at [email protected] or NatCen at [email protected] for further information.

For the wider gambling sector, the report may influence future adjustments to stake limits, affordability checks, marketing rules, and data reporting requirements. For players, it could determine whether current safeguards remain, expand, or change.