UKGC CEO, Andrew Rhodes’ speech at IAGR 2024; a summary

On 21 October 2024, Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission (UKGC), delivered a keynote speech at the International Association of Gaming Regulators Conference. 

During the speech, Rhodes discussed future collaborations and partnerships, which are currently a priority. He also emphasised the battle against illegal online gambling and the importance of sports betting integrity. He also noted the gross gambling yield, which is currently £15.1 billion for all gambling activity in Great Britain.

UKGC collaborations and partnerships

In his speech, Rhodes emphasised the critical role of collaborations and partnerships within the UKGC's corporate strategy, particularly highlighting a partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law.

Rhodes sees partnerships as vital in “building and using connections” to address multi-jurisdictional issues and data advances. Events like IAGR, in collaboration with IMGL, provide unique platforms for such international cooperation, which Rhodes noted is essential for addressing the complex nature of modern gambling regulation.

In addition to organisational partnerships, Rhodes also discussed creating relationships with various international regulatory bodies. By working closely with counterparts, the UKGC aims to develop shared approaches to complex challenges, such as tackling illegal online gambling and enhancing betting integrity. 

He also highlighted the Illegal Gambling Working Group, created under the leadership of IARG, which has already begun to impact by pooling insights and sharing intelligence. 

As Rhodes stated, “Collaboration is key… even when it is hard,” trying to show the commitment to a regulatory approach prioritising transparency, shared goals, and global impact.

Tackling illegal online gambling

Rhodes devoted a significant portion of his speech to one of the Commission's key priorities: tackling illegal online gambling. So, what's the latest on this front?

Rhodes discussed that the UKGC's approach is about “disrupting unlicensed operators,” making it more challenging for these illegal platforms. This isn't just about targeting individual sites; they want to create an effect across the gambling industry. The Commission has worked closely with major tech players, from search engines to payment providers, to reduce illegal gambling. Rhodes pointed out that since April, the UKGC has issued over 750 cease-and-desist notices, and more than 50,000 illegal URLs have been removed from search results.

But it's not just about takedowns. The UKGC increasingly focuses on collaboration, recognising that partnerships can amplify these efforts. The Commission is working with other regulators and organisations like the International Masters of Gaming Law to share data and best practices. This approach allows them to go beyond traditional regulation, directly engaging the tech and financial sectors to close off as many opportunities as possible for unlicensed operators.

Sports betting integrity

The integrity of sports betting faces increased challenges as betting on games spans countries and continents, not just the UK. But is it being effectively managed?

Rhodes explained that the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit is the core of their efforts, which works as the operational arm of the National Platform for addressing match manipulation. The SBIU collaborates with the Council of Europe on initiatives like the Macolin Convention, and it’s also active in the Group of Copenhagen, a network dedicated to fighting competition manipulation. The UKGC exchanges data and best practices with international colleagues to stay ahead through these partnerships.

Motivations

As mentioned in Andrew Rhodes's speech in May 2024, the UKGC is continuing to focus on safer gambling. Central to this approach is the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, a comprehensive data survey that allows the Commission to track gambling trends and behaviour at national and regional levels. The GSGB gathers insights on gambling participation.

The survey has improved transparency, addressing both positive and negative aspects of gambling behaviour, thus providing regulators and policymakers with a well-rounded evidence base. Rhodes acknowledged criticism of proposed measures in the UK Gambling Act review, like stake limits and affordability checks, which some worry could push players toward unregulated, riskier markets – a trend seen in other European countries. The GSGB's data will be crucial in informing these policies by identifying behavioural trends that could indicate increased participation in illegal markets.

Rhodes emphasised that the Commission's balanced approach, informed by GSGB findings, is essential to maintain high regulatory standards and an attractive, consumer-friendly market while protecting vulnerable consumers through data-driven strategies like GamProtect.

What else should be noted?

Rhodes emphasised the Gambling Commission’s innovative use of open banking data to address consumer protection more effectively. The open banking initiative provides the UKGC with a comprehensive, anonymised view of gambling transactions across multiple operators. This approach allows for a more holistic understanding of spending patterns, enabling targeted interventions for consumers at risk of gambling harm.

Moreover, Rhodes discussed the introduction of GamProtect, a tool developed in collaboration with the data regulator. GamProtect allows operators to share limited data on consumers who have self-excluded due to gambling-related harms, thus helping other operators identify vulnerable individuals. This cross-platform protection is a significant step forward in safeguarding at-risk consumers across the online gambling market.

Last thoughts

Ultimately, Andrew Rhodes' speech clearly shows the UKGC's vision for safer, well-regulated gambling that balances industry innovation with consumer protection. Tackling challenges like illegal gambling and maintaining sports betting integrity isn’t easy. Still, Rhodes emphasises that collaboration and data-driven initiatives like the Gambling Survey for Great Britain are vital tools. 

The UKGC is walking a fine line – keeping gambling accessible and appealing while safeguarding players from potential harm. It’s a strategy that requires both vigilance and adaptability, with partnerships and technology on their side.