In laying out its new strategy, the UKGC underlined the major impact that the unlicensed market has on society.  

Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes, who is spearheading the proposals, detailed his awareness of concerns around new regulations being introduced risking the displacement of some consumers and leading to the growth of the black market.. Rhodes asserted that the growth of any black market operator would be an unintended event that the sector must avoid. 

Pinpointing some of the key methods the body has taken when it comes to mitigating black market operators, it highlighted the positive impact of ‘URLs being removed from search results, choking off payments and stopping games and products being accessible on illegal sites’.

One of the most threatened demographics when it comes to being targeted by unlicensed operators is those who have engaged with self-exclusion schemes, the UKGC warned. Accordingly,  the UKGC strives to elevate the resources it uses to eradicate unlicensed operators. 

Data analytics is one of the other key tools the UKGC is tapping into in order to ensure that the black market is mitigated. Utilising data enables the UKGC to effectively target the most impactful areas when it comes to unlicensed operators.

The regulator described data analytics as being ‘at the heart of our corporate strategy’, as it publishes its new methodology paper and looks to elevate the strategy in tackling the black market. 

Furthermore, the regulator also outlined that it is increasing its focus on affiliates that promote unlicensed operators, through honing in on key search words. 

Additional steps include increasing engagement with law enforcement agencies, such as the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, and strengthening ties with payment providers to disrupt illegal transactions.

Rhodes reiterated the importance of collaboration and data-driven action. “We are committed to making it difficult to provide illegal gambling at scale to consumers in Great Britain,” he said. “The partnerships we’ve built with international regulators, technology partners, and search engines are already delivering results, and we’re determined to keep up this momentum.”

“By using data analytics to improve our enforcement efforts, we’re not just reacting to the problem, but proactively targeting illegal operators. The publication of our methodology paper is just the first step in sharing this work with stakeholders and the public. As we continue to refine our approach, we will use this data to provide deeper insights into the scale and dynamics of the illegal market.

The data also revealed that ‘some unlicensed sites do not allow people to access them from IP addresses based in Great Britain. Consumers can bypass this by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask the location they are accessing the site from. The model does not capture any traffic to unlicensed sites from GB consumers using a VPN.’

The first iteration of the model uses GGY data for online slots as it underlines that a significant proportion of unlicensed gambling activity is slots. 

The UKGC also emphasised that this is just the start of the work it is doing as it looks ahead to the methodology being published in Spring 2025. 

It will identify the impact of gambling slots streaming sites, such as Twitch and Kick, and crypto trading platforms are also locations where gambling sites without GB licences may be promoted, will be analysed. As well as encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp.

The post UKGC sharpens tools to tackle unlicensed operators  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

She had recently shared the stage with UK Gambling Commission CEO, Andrew Rhodes, having praised her fellow regulator and underpinned the importance of collaboration and discussions between different regions and jurisdictions. 

“We are very different as jurisdictions, but we have massive commonalities as well and so it’s the common ground where we can really work together and collectively it’s in all of our interests to make the industry better that there’s some sort of collaboration and just making it good for everybody. 

“The two frameworks and the two regions are obviously very different but it really stood out just watching that discussion, that the sharing of ideas, the sharing of conversation is going to be so beneficial to the industry.

“It’s not like we’re eating each other’s lunch. It’s more that, you know, it’s more ‘let’s make the industry overall better for the good of us all’.”

Shortt’s interview with CasinoBeats came just off the back of the April 30 licence application deadline in Curaçao, a deadline that was cited by Shortt as being vital for the region. 

Providing more information, she said: “On April 30, the portal for applications closed. So we had a deadline that we started taking applications in November and it was shut on April 30. 

“What this means is that all of the sub-licenses had the opportunity, and had this six month timeline in which they could make an application on the portal. And in doing so, they locked in the ability to get grandfathered through when the lock gets enacted. So it means guaranteed continuity of business. 

“That closed on April 30 and with that, we had high expectations but we actually were completely surprised. We have 741 licence applications. So we were expecting a few hundred, we had hoped for a higher number and we got 741 – which is just absolutely fantastic.” 

With the potential for tightening regulations, there is always the potential for an exodus of licence holders. However, Shortt is unfazed by this, stating that the regulator “welcomes the exodus of bad actors”.

She continued: “If somebody wants to leave Curacao now when the jurisdiction is tidying itself up, that speaks volumes. So our viewpoint is that a jurisdiction is about not just the law, the regulator, but also the operators, the suppliers, all the ancillary services. So our legislation has been drafted with that in mind that it has to work. 

“With regards to the April 30 deadline, if I can come back to that again, that means that sublicenses can no longer apply as sublicenses. So what we’re going to see, what’s going to be interesting and is something that is really important, is that the master licences will no longer be renewed.” 

Looking ahead to when the portal reopens for new applications, she revealed that it will be a slightly new framework. However, much of it will be the same. 

She added that the body will be holding every applicant to the same levels of due diligence, including areas such as information requirements. These requirements will be “standard” for licensee hopefuls, regardless of how or when an application arrives.

The post Aideen Shortt on a new era for Curaçao Gaming regulation appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The podcast emphasised that the six month pilot period will be an acid test for the sector and whether new guidelines can be implemented effectively. 

It’s a period that could lead to various revisions, especially as the regulator has shown a key willingness to collaborate with the industry. 

The panel also detailed that the eyes of various other global markets will be watching to see the impact of the UKGC’s new framework as they look to provide the most effective approach to regulation and affordability in their own region. 

The show was united in being grateful for clarity and that the timeline is now clear when it comes to implementation of the new affordability frameworks. 

A harmonisation has been found across igaming platforms also as rules are being brought in across the board. These include the eradication of audio or visual celebrations of returns less than or equal to stake. These additional changes will come into force on 17 January 2025. 

Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission CEO, commented on the new guidelines: “As a gambling regulator it’s vital that the introduction of new rules is based on evidence and takes into account the views of consumers and other interested parties.

“We have listened to the views expressed in our engagement and in the consultation responses, and we have made changes while still ensuring that we deliver meaningful protections. 

“We are also pleased to be taking forward a pilot of financial risk assessments and data collection, which together will ensure that we can make informed decisions about how these assessments can be implemented in a way that supports both consumer freedom and protections.

“We have to get the balance right between protecting people from the potentially life-ruining effects of gambling-related harm and respecting the freedom of adults to engage in an activity that the vast majority do so without experiencing harm.”

The post iGamingDaily – Global markets will be taking note of UKGC decision  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Yesterday (6th December), off the back of a two-year interval, Rhodes addressed delegates at the GambleAware Conference, as he emphasised the importance of an uncompromising approach to compliance. 

As licensed operators are aware of the consequences of failing in their regulatory duties, the Commission’s approach towards the industry has changed, focusing on moving discussions beyond basic compliance.

He told delegates: “Progress on that front means movement away from constantly needing to fight to enforce minimum standards and compliance will mean more space. Space to discuss what are actually more challenging issues. And that is where we have arrived today.”

It builds towards the overall ambitions of the regulatory bodies to make the UK gambling space the safest market in the world.  

Rhodes also highlighted the vital nature of collaboration, as he shone a light on the development and scope of the GamProtect scheme. The data-sharing cross-industry collaboration aims to provide the quickest intervention for those at risk of gambling harm, ensuring data protection and collaboration with other entities.

He continued: “GamProtect is already seeing those most at risk of very serious health-related harm through their gambling benefiting from a multi-operator approach across the biggest gambling companies, whilst all their personal data is protected.

“We have worked hard with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) to support this project, which is being developed with the team at GamStop, and we look forward to further updates on it in the coming months.”

Concluding his address, Rhodes stated that through combined efforts, UK gambling had achieved the foundations to deliver on the new objectives of the Gambling Review’s White Paper.

“The next few years do represent a golden opportunity to make gambling safer, fairer, and crime-free,” he noted. “Working together, we can, as GambleAware suggested today, turn the page to that new chapter. Thank you for your efforts and your time today.”

The post Andrew Rhodes praises compliance progress of the industry appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Speaking at the Commission’s largest gathering of industry stakeholders to date, Rhodes detailed the growing number of challenges facing the UK as it continues to tackle the revised Gambling Act. 

Addressing recent conflicts with specific stakeholders, Rhodes stated: “We have challenged people where they have misrepresented statistics and we have sought to bring some balance and evidence to the arguments. 

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some of what has gone on has been an unedifying sight and I am not sure is helping anyone.”

Amidst the uncertainty of the UK’s gambling debate, Rhodes did recognise some progress being made in the last year, such as the reduction of extreme cases of harm attributed to the effectiveness of clear and open communication channels. 

Thanking operators for their cooperation, Rhodes said: “The industry has made progress and I want to thank the many operators in the room today and your trade bodies for having worked with the Commission to achieve this step forward.”

With stakeholders gathered to hear the Chief Exec’s thoughts, Rhodes explained the difficulties the Commission is facing in finding a balance between industry growth that is both sustainable and supports compliance. 

Rhodes commented: “What I am very committed to is we will have the difficult conversations and do the difficult things because that is our job.

“It’s a call to arms for the industry to rally together and navigate the changing legislative landscape with openness and integrity.”

With white paper consultations now well underway, the Gambling Act review will present an abundance of regulatory changes that will impact all corners of the UK’s gambling ecosystem. 

Although UK gambling statistics show that the nation’s market is currently static in participation, the number of active users and customer wagering figures continue to rise. 

As operators are set to benefit from a continued rise in wagering, the Commission has turned its attention to operators in “the second and third tiers, particularly those experiencing rapid growth”. 

Rhodes explained: “This is not because we think growth must be a bad thing, but we have seen examples of operators growing their business faster than the underpinning compliance infrastructure.”

Operators in such categories were encouraged by Rhodes to ensure that their compliance structures are developed in unison with their growth. This falls in line with the Commission’s plans to launch a three-year Corporate Strategy next year, further reinforcing the need for transparency.

To conclude his speech, Rhodes added: “Ultimately if we can all commit to working together, it will lead to better regulation, better outcomes and safer, fairer, and crime-free gambling across Great Britain.”

The post Andrew Rhodes encourages collaboration for ‘safer, fairer, and crime-free’ UK gambling appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Appearing before MPs, Andrew stressed the need for the consultations to result in a ‘balanced and proportionate’ approach to gambling regulation, as the UK Gambling Commission and DCMS continue to review the implementation of the Gambling Act review’s proposals. 

A balanced approach was a key focus of Andrew’s speech as the government’s awaited changes look to ensure safety and fairness within UK gamblers’ experiences, without negatively impacting them. 

The Minister stated: “I think what we’re trying to do here is bring about a balanced and proportionate approach, which addresses many of the changes that have happened in the gambling scene over the last 20 years, but also seeks to bring about a uniform approach amongst operators to to have a process in place to identify those perhaps, who are entering the risk of gambling harm.”

“I think what we’re trying to do here is bring about a balanced and proportionate approach”

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew

While research played an integral part across the over two-year process of the Gambling Act review, Andrew explained that many of the resulting white paper’s headline proposals are in need of greater research and understanding to conduct necessary changes. 

An area highlighted for further resarch by the Minister was the extremely sensitive topic of gambling suicide, as recent research put the number of gambling-related suicides at 117 and 496, accounting for “10 per cent of all suicides across the UK” as one MP previously stated. 

However, these figures have become increasingly ambiguous following Andrew’s speech, which suggested that the UK government might not have the necessary resources to properly register the statistics. 

He explained: “I don’t think we as a government have actual definitive information that would say that X amount of suicides are a result of gambling harm. In some cases that will have been a cause, but there will potentially be other reasons as well.

“This goes back to the point that we need more research in this area to really understand this important piece of work. We want to have much better research and evidence to continue the approach we’ve already taken, which is evidence-led.”

This notion was also touched upon by UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes, who expressed his own view that gambling-related suicide has been under-explored and underlined the commission’s determination to make the matter of research a priority. 

With this in mind, the UKGC is set to implement gambling-related suicide research into its Gambling Survey of Great Britain, in hopes that it will shine a light on ‘an area that is very difficult to say definitively what the position is’. 

“I think we’re probably behind the curve in terms of research”

UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes

The white paper itself has also laid out plans to improve the nation’s overall research into gambling, having proposed a compulsory research, education and treatment levy to provide more funding for these areas. 

“I think we’re probably behind the curve in terms of research,” said Rhodes. “And I think that’s what this is why I think the introduction of the levy actually gives us a sort of generational change, if you like, in terms of the funding, and gives us an opportunity to have perhaps some of some of the best research in the in the world so that we can identify what are the issues that needs to be addressed in this area? 

“That’s what we’ve tried to do very much with this white paper, very heavy on evidence led on what data we have and what research we have available to us at the moment, to take that sensible approach.”

Touching on the latest updates from the consultations, Tim Miller, Executive Director of Policy and Research for the UKGC, provided an update on progress as the first set of consultations approach the deadline of October 18, having been opened in July.  

Set to be followed by the second set of consultations in Winter, the first round focuses on four focal areas: 

• Financial risk and vulnerability.
• Game design, including building in greater player protection.
• Improving consumer choice on direct marketing – particularly regarding cross selling.
• Strengthening age verification in venues.

Providing the update, Miller remarked: “The secretary of state gave a very clear steer that she wanted to see the white paper implemented at speed, and I think it’s fair to say that we were quick out of the box in getting that first set of consultations out there.”

“I am comfortable with our current position, but in the longer-term we will need to invest more money”

UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes

Given constant delays with the white paper hindering its already damaged reputation following the handling of the Football Index collapse, the UKGC has faced scrutiny for years, leading the present MPs to question whether the regulator has the capabilities to carry out gambling reform. 

Defending the commission, Rhodes backed the regulator as being component enough to carry out its job, for now, but agreed that should the authority carry out more complex regulatory changes then it will require more resources. 

The CEO also reminded MPs that, compared to other regulators, the UKGC’s staff headcount of 351 is still rather low considering it manages one of the world’s largest gambling sectors. 

“If we are going to do more complicated things around regulation that will require resources to do it,” Rhodes declared. “I am comfortable with our current position, but in the longer-term we will need to invest more money and have more people with different skills.”

The post Stuart Andrew: we need more research to understand extent of harm appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Delivering a keynote speech at the ICE London 2023 expo, Rhodes expressed that his leadership would prioritise better research and date, to secure improved analysis and action on all areas of the gambling industry. 

With the new year well underway, the UKGC’s recent data has suggested “gambling may well have settled into a new normal” despite the surrounding economic challenges facing the nation. 

In his speech entitled ‘latest research shaping regulatory decisions in UK gambling’, Rhodes explained: “As of September 2022, overall participation in any gambling activity, in the last four weeks, remains statistically stable at 44 per cent compared to September 2021.”

“Within that, the level of online gambling has continued its long-term trend up to 27 per cent and this is matched by land-based gambling as well.”

“The overall headline problem gambling rate is statistically stable as well, although more on those numbers later. So there is no explosion in online gambling, as participation has not gone through the roof in recent years.

“This means operators need to be that bit more competitive and innovative if they want to continue to grow in the British market. Or they need to diversify abroad…The truth is both are happening.”

Since the pandemic, the UK’s gambling market has become saturated with the top three operators having increased their market share to over 50 per cent, while the nation’s top 10 brands have accounted for 77 per cent of the B2C market’s overall GGY. 

Despite the dominance shown by market share gains, Rhodes revealed that “the largest operator groups are stating revenues are down due to safer gambling measures they are introducing. Now we aren’t saying these groups are getting everything right, but this is a development that has our attention.”

Rhodes also stated that compliance measures have impacted the competitive make-up of the UK space, in which the UKGC continues to gather at source data “detailing just how different each consumer can be.”

He said: “Amongst the largest operators in the British market, we have seen some interesting changes which are pretty consistent across those larger operators, who are seeing GGY fall by just under 16 per cent. The amount of money staked is down by just over 13 per cent.”

“We have seen the number of players losing over £500 a month drop by nearly eight per cent, and those losing over £200 a month by a little over two per cent. Whilst players staking £50 and over per spin for slots fall by 76 per cent. Some operators have seen this reduce by over 90 per cent, with the largest drop being over 98 per cent.”

“Yet despite reporting GGY declines, data reveals that larger operators continue to register an increased volume in bets (+five per cent) and active player numbers of six per cent.”

With this in mind, the Commission’s Chief Executive stated that it would not be wise to draw ‘particular conclusions’ on player activity impacting operators’ financial performance while the space undergoes a transitional phase for its companies and their engagement with players. 

Rhodes commented: “Given the number of bets being placed with the largest five operators increased by four billion and the number of active accounts by some four million, it doesn’t suggest there is a flood away from gambling either, but clearly some patterns have changed during the last year.” 

This year, the UKGC has turned its attention to implementing affordability checks/controls – in which Rhodes highlighted “misinformation circulating about the Commission’s position on the issue of affordability”.

Rhodes’ defence of the Commission’s attitude towards affordability may be in response to recent criticism from organisations such as the BGC, who claimed that blanked affordability checks may pose a threat to the betting and gaming market.  

Reinforcing the UKGC’s stance on the issue of affordability, Rhodes explained: “It is for operators to set limits themselves based on their customer types, business and risks. It is also for operators to take responsibility for preventing the sorts of cases I mentioned above from occurring in the first place.”

The speech at ICE also detailed how the regulator has been looking at launching better data research and new initiatives, with the UKGC set to host its first ‘Setting the Evidence Agenda’ in March to bring operators and academics together and analyse how gambling governance can be improved. 

Rhodes concluded: “Better evidence will mean better outcomes…The Gambling Act Review of course will also have a big part to play in our plans. We continue to work with DCMS and will continue to take action to protect consumers where needed.

“Better research, better data and better evidence will drive better regulation and better outcomes for consumers. Let’s work together on that.”

The post Andrew Rhodes: operators need to be competitive to grow in the UK market appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In a speech that was designed to set out the regulatory path being undertaken in the years ahead and what that means for industry and players, Rhodes also addressed the darker side occupying such a role and the intense public scrutiny that goes hand in hand.

“Now, I find myself lobbied or criticised on all sides for conflicting things,” he said before touching just how over the top things can get on occasion. 

“That just comes with the job, along with occasional hate mail and death threats. I have said this many times now, but if you want to make people happy, you should sell ice cream for a living – don’t regulate the gambling industry.”

Away from this, the day was hailed as important in carving out how the regulatory and industry could unite in collaboration, however, it was reminded that “you don’t have a choice about us and you’re not required to like us either, but that isn’t how I like to define relationships”.

Despite what could be perceived in some quarters, Rhodes was quick to remind that “contrary to what is sometimes said, we are not seeing inexorable growth in gambling”.

The truth is, he said, that top level data on participation “remains pretty flat”, despite the expanding and contracting demographics that display movement beneath.

With an “eventful” political space seeing such betting activity up four times, overall participation is reported as “stable and has not been growing”. With regards to the digital space it was noted “online has continued to grow, but the whole market is not”.

“…that was not a sign that gambling participation has exploded – it definitively has not”

He added: “And whilst clearly online gambling grew rapidly during the pandemic when the land-based sector could not operate – or was heavily restricted – that was not a sign that gambling participation has exploded – it definitively has not.

“But what this likely means is that competition is intense. You are all operating in a very competitive industry and your businesses are having to work harder than ever either to grow in the British market or make inroads abroad. We see that and we get it.”

From here, attention turned to that of the lively M&A space, with Rhodes having detailed that, as a result of the current economic headwinds, regulatory impacts and return of retail, the UK’s top ten could further heighten market share moving forward. 

“What’s more the appetite for acquisitions continues and the focus of mergers and acquisitions seems to be driven by operator strategies to diversify into new jurisdictions, as well as a number of deals taking place in the B2B market space,” it was noted. 

It was highlighted that the remarks being made were simply of the level of consolidation being witnessed industry-wide, with the decision of if this breaches any competitive threshold lying solely with the CMA.

He continued: “Mergers and acquisitions are a pertinent example of the complexity facing the regulator too. We are seeing more and more complex transactions or complex ownership structures. Licensing has become far more complex than it once was and this has accelerated in recent years. 

“This means we need to rethink the way we approach this area from an operational standpoint as a minimum. There are also financial implications that come from this for us. We are seeing more novel products which push the boundaries of the definition of gambling and either look to capture existing market share or to draw new consumers into the market.”

“We will permit gambling so long as it is safe for people, so long as it is fair for people and it is crime free”

Elsewhere, a deliberate increase in international regulatory collaboration was touched upon in a bid to bring further regulatory consistency, while the illegal market was also placed under the microscope.

The UKGC CEO emphasised that this space “will always continue to evolve and is difficult to eliminate,” with efforts to be placed to seek as much disruption as possible.

“But we cannot see this as being about the lowest common denominator,” he continued. “We cannot reasonably argue that some practices should continue because illegal gambling is worse. 

“We cannot condone bad practice in the legitimate market and I think you would all agree with me on that. I think the risks from the so called black market are overstated, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think they exist.”

With a plethora of industry CEOs present, heightened regulatory action was also brought to the fore as Rhodes demanded that breaches being witnessed “simply cannot continue”.

During the last 11 months a total of 16 operators have paid out a total of £45m because of failures, with two operating licence suspended because of regulatory concerns. The comparative period offered was the full financial year of 2016/17, where £1.7m of action was taken against three licensees.

“I think that’s an important thing to stress,” he commented. “We will permit gambling so long as it is safe for people, so long as it is fair for people and it is crime free. 

“But it’s rare 22 million people agree on anything and that is certainly the case with gambling. With views ranging from outright bans, demands I prosecute any of you that refuse someone’s custom through to a preference for an unlicensed free for all.”

Concluding: “But unfortunately, whilst we want to get to a place where collaboration with industry to go beyond basic standards is our day-to-day, the reality is that too many operators are still failing to live up to their obligations as set out in our Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.”

The post Andrew Rhodes, UKGC: occasional hate mail <br> and death threats come along with the job appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Addressing the 2022 IAGR Conference in Melbourne yesterday in a speech that summarises the Commission’s recent series of enforcement actions, Rhodes also revealed there has been signs of recovery since the pandemic due to in-person gambling participation rate increasing to 26 per cent from 24 per cent in March of last year.

During the global pandemic, online participation witnessed a grand increase and, since the public health restrictions, it remained statistically stable at 26 per cent compared to March 2021 – but Rhodes expressed that it continues its long-term increase.

However, he expressed that, within the UK gambling market, the sector is “not seeing inexorable growth”, with overall gambling engagement stable and not growing as a whole. 

Explaining what this means, Rhodes noted: “What we think this means though, is that we will see a continuation of new and novel products entering the market as well as attempts to extend the participation of certain demographic groups.

“But in Great Britain we’re also seeing two other big drivers on operator and consumer behaviour starting to impact on the market.

“The first is the cost of living. No doubt there are similar stories to varying degrees in many of your jurisdictions, but increases in the cost of living appear to be leading to operators starting to make changes to their staffing and operations – even before we see much evidence of it affecting consumer gambling spend.

“The other are the changes operators are making to apply safer gambling measures.”

On the aforementioned enforcement actions – which has seen penalties against the likes of Betfred, Beway and, most notably, Entain – Rhodes observed, from the previous fiscal year, that the UKGC handed out financial penalties against three companies during the course of 2016/17.

In contrast, during the past 10 months, the regulator has charged 16 operators a total of £45m (2016/17: £1.7m). 

“At this volume, we think the message is starting to get through,” he said. “And we refuse to accept the pace of the slowest when we are confronted by recent stories of people suffering as a result of preventable harm.”

Commenting further on legal and legislative areas, Rhodes advised the Australian audience that balancing player protection with freedom of choice ‘is an issue for each jurisdiction to look at themselves’.

The CEO stated that this is an area that the much-delayed Gambling Act review – the publication of which is now uncertain due to political instability at Westminster – aims to address. 

Commenting further on the review, Rhodes added that the white paper’s release “may lead to further impacts on the gambling sector and potentially a further round of mergers and acquisitions”.

Another area for discussion at the conference was the new ‘black market’ that has reportedly been highlighted as being of interest to the UKGC over the past year  – that of emerging products’ which Rhodes was keen to stress did not refer to the black market of licensed gambling. 

Instead, the UKGC chief referred to NFTs, ‘synthetic shares’ and cryptocurrencies, gaming industry interest of which has been on the rise of late – Entain’s Ennovate platform outlined probing NFTs as an objective, for example. 

“They are becoming increasingly widespread and the boundaries between products which can be defined and regulated as gambling are becoming increasingly blurred,” Rhodes commented on the range of emerging products.

“We are likely to see more and more integration of these types of products into sport and other areas of lifestyle, as well as the legitimate gambling industry. These are lucrative growth areas, and we ignore them at our peril.”

Concluding, Rhodes stated that the UKGC is planning a trial ‘in the coming months’ to test the development of a single customer view, which he argued has the potential “to be a significant step change in improving the safety of gambling”.

Lastly, he also expressed optimism that greater sharing of data and intelligence, the adoption of common approaches and better international coordination can lead to “globalised progress across a globalised marketplace”.

He concluded: “Gambling will always be a fast changing and innovative sector. It will also always be an industry that attracts strong and wildly different views.

“But wherever our jurisdictions are on the scale, as gambling regulators we all want the same thing – compliance.

“If we can crack ways to better work together – sharing data and intelligence, adopting common approaches and coordinating actions where possible – we can achieve globalised progress across a globalised marketplace.

“Let’s raise our ambition, let’s work together and let’s make gambling fairer, safer and more crime free.”

The post Andrew Rhodes: No ‘inexorable growth’ in UK gambling as costs soar appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Appointed last June, following the resignation of former Chief Executive Neil McArthur, in light of the Commission’s regulatory failings brought to life by Football Index’s high profile administration. 

The former Chief Register of the University of Swansea and senior officer for the Department for Work and Pensions, the Food Standards Agency and the DVLA had accepted the interim role on an 18-month contract.

UK media had previously reported that Rhodes was the preferred candidate to lead the Commission, having impressed Colleagues and DCMS during his first months in charge of the regulator.

During his first months in office, Rhodes had handled the Commission’s agenda of providing final insights and analysis for the government to complete its White Paper review of the 2005 Gambling Act.

Furthermore, Rhodes had overseen the Commission’s handling of the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition won by Allwyn UK – the conglomerate that will replace Camelot Group as the operating steward of the National Lottery.

“Andrew will continue to work closely with chair Marcus Boyle, the Board of Commissioners, and the Commission’s senior leadership team to ensure Great Britain’s gambling industry is regulated strongly and effectively,”  read the UKGC’s statement.

“He will also continue his stakeholder engagement programme with consumers, industry, parliamentarians and those with lived experience.”

The UKGC is led by the new leadership duo of Rhodes and Marcus Boyle as Chairman – who was appointed last September following the resignation of former incumbent Bill Moyes.

In separate addresses, Rhodes and Boyle have stated that they will oversee a tougher era of compliance for UK operators – irrespective of pending Gambling Review outcomes.

Writing an op-ed column in The Times, Boyle backed Rhodes’ leadership assessment that UK gambling had too many persistently failing operators”.

The leadership duo outlined that tougher penalties were required to ensure ‘behavioural changes’ in which operators must place accountability at the heart of their operations.

The post Andrew Rhodes confirmed as permanent UKGC boss appeared first on CasinoBeats.